flixotide,
Current LG's are almost as short as cdrws can be (taking into account they should hold a full cd inside). Go for the GCE-8480B or
GCE-8400B. They are both same (short) size, and I've got both side by side to a Pioneer DVD standard full size, and the difference can be noticed !! (about 3-4 inches shorter)
Regards
FTC