A portable CD drive is a compact device that allows users to read and write data on CDs without needing a built-in drive in their computer. It connects to devices like laptops or desktops via USB, making it easy to access music, software, or files stored on CDs. These drives are especially useful for modern laptops that often lack optical drives. They are lightweight and can be easily carried in a bag, providing a convenient solution for those who still use CDs for various purposes, such as playing music or installing software from CDs.