The CD-ROM drive will allow you to use software on CD and, in most cases, play music CDs. Speakers may be built into your monitor or come as separate products that allow you to select the sound quality you desire. The sound card makes all of these elements work together to produce sound. A CD-ROM drive, and a SoundBlaster compatible card, are recommended. Speakers should be selected to reflect your own personal preference.
Laptops can have CD-ROM drives that are internal or external to the machine.
Both internal and external drives provide the same capability, therefore this is a choice that should be a matter of personal preference, affecting the use and weight of the laptop. Speakers and sound capability vary greatly among laptop manufacturers. If sound is important in your selection, request a demonstration of the specific model in which you are interested. New multimedia technology includes DVD and writable CD drives. The current use for DVD drives is to watch movies.