Low Cost, Mid-Range or High-End? Three CD Writers at 8, 12 and 16 speed
Table of contents
- 1. Three CD-Writers From AOpen, Mitsumi And Yamaha
- 2. Buffer Underrun? No, Thanks!
- 3. AOpen CRW1232-A
- 4. Mitsumi CR 4805 TE
Unlike the ongoing GHz battle between Intel and AMD, technological advances in the CD recording sector often remain less noticed. However, CD recording standards recently received a boost when Yamaha announced its 20-speed CD writer, just in time for the CeBIT.
Currently the fastest CD writers are available from Plextor and Yamaha. They support 16-speed CD recording, 10-speed CD-RW writing and 40-speed CD reading. Those drives can write a 74 min data or audio CD within 5 minutes.
Although most people usually write only one disc at a time, those who have to make regular backups or multiple copies will certainly appreciate the value of a fast recorder. This review compares three completely different models: An attractive 8-speed model from Mitsumi - basically enough for home use.
AOpen's new 12-speed recorder CRW1232-A with Just Link technology and Yamaha's top model, the 16-speed writer CRW2100E. Mitsumi's recorder starts at less than $ 90. The AOpen drive can be purchased for approximately $ 135 and Yamaha's flagship product costs at least $ 220 (prices according to www.pricewatch.com , March 21).