Function

• An external DVD player enclosure is a case that surrounds an external DVD drive. It is designed to protect an external drive from the elements and dust as well as provide the connectors needed for functionality.
  
  

Components

• Typically, an external DVD enclosure includes a small internal fan which serves as a cooling unit for the drive that is installed in the enclosure.
  
  

Included Materials

• An external DVD enclosure generally comes with power cables, USB cables and the necessary cables required to attach the DVD drive to the enclosure.
  
  

Adapters and Outlets

• External DVD enclosures include a power switch, AC adapter plug and USB connector. If an enclosure is designed to draw power from a USB, it might not include an AC adapter outlet.
  
  

Uses

• A user who is upgrading or junking a computer that has a viable DVD drive could remove it and place it in an external enclosure. This allows them to still use the drive via a USB instead of trashing it or being forced to install it to another PC.
  
  

Versatility

• DVD drives installed in external enclosures can be used as external drives for laptops, netbooks or desktops when an internal player is lacking or does not have the features needed.