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MacRumors reports that Apple will offer an optional external optical drive for the widely-rumored ultra-slim subnotebook, expected to be launched at MWSF.

The portable is also said to sport a multi-touch trackpad on at least one model.

A 'detachable' optical drive will be offered which will read/write DVDs and CDs. It is not clear whether the drive will have its own interface, or whether it will simply connect via USB or FireWire. A bus-powered device, without the need for external AC power, would be more likely.

The capabilities of the multi-touch trackpad are not known.

Analysis: A subnotebook, say, with a 12.1" screen, superlight, no internal optical drive and multi-touch: would this be enough to make it your second Mac notebook? Or your only Mac portable.