I thank you both for your replies.
This is from the MTU site regarding their laptop burner:
DVD+R CD+G Certified IDE Slim-Line Internal Burner
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This laptop burner works ONLY with Hoster 3.303 and higher, and Microstudio 3.003 and higher.
It's only because of the above quote that made me think the burner wouldn't work with other software (CDRWin, for example).
I appreciate your stating that laptop burners are all the same size. My Dell Inspiron 9300 has a 17" screen and didn't know if other components may be larger also.
I'll reread product support information - hoping there's a satisfaction guarantee on the burner and will try a demo version of the software. Thank you, again.