Just added a Samsung SuperWriteMaster external DVD writer to my “fixing PCs kit” along with my IDE/SATA/Laptop USB hard drive adaptor. Gives me the opportunity to backup data before having to administer the “last writes” to a failed system drive. Nice little drive it is too. Supplied with an OEM copy of NERO 9, it does what its made for very well.
Next bits of kit are an external floppy disc drive and an external 500gb harddrive when I have the cash. That should cover all bases in the backup stakes.