Freecom Classic DVD+/-RW Double Layer

Advantages: Can be moved from PC to PC, lighweight, robust, reliable, fast
Disadvantages: None so far...

...Rewriter that most computers have these days).*** With both drive bays taken up on my PC, I decided on an external DVD Writer drive. Although more expensive than internal drive, it could easily be connected to my lap top should I wish to take my masterpieces and inflict them on people who didn't own DVD players. I jest of course! In PC world, there were several external DVD drives on the shelves, but having had an external CD writer by Freecom which had been extremely reliable, I opted for the High Speed (USB2) Classic DVD+/-RW Double Layer model. It was the most expensive at just over £120 at the time (much cheaper now, see below), but the best available. The Hardware: In the box was a black DVD RW which was slim and lightweight (it was also available in white), the USB connector cable, the power transformer/cable (PSU- power supply unit... Read review

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Advantages: Hard Working and reliable. Can be moved from PC to PC
Disadvantages: Desk space needed because it's external.

...and watch any DVD movie of my choice. {Please note:it works a little slower on USB1} The Freecom can also burn dual layer DVDs which means that, you can get almost double the amount of movies (i.e. up to 8.5GB) on one Dual Layer disk, but they do tend to cost a little more than the standard DVD disks. Another thing that is useful regarding this drive, is that using Nero (that was packaged with the drive), I can back up any computer file I wish to DVD and this gives me 4.7GB (that is 4,812.8 megabytes) of storage on a DVD disk in comparison to 700 MB (megabytes) that can be stored on CD-R or RWs. So as you can imagine, I now have fewer worries of losing my files should my hard drive decide to die on me. I have been amazed at the way the price of the DVD burners have come down in price over the years. When I first became interested in burning... Read review

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Advantages: Can be moved from PC to PC, lighweight, robust, reliable, fast
Disadvantages: None so far...

...Rewriter that most computers have these days).*** With both drive bays taken up on my PC, I decided on an external DVD Writer drive. Although more expensive than internal drive, it could easily be connected to my lap top should I wish to take my masterpieces and inflict them on people who didn't own DVD players. I jest of course! In PC world, there were several external DVD drives on the shelves, but having had an external CD writer by Freecom which had been extremely reliable, I opted for the High Speed (USB2) Classic DVD+/-RW Double Layer model. It was the most expensive at just over £120 at the time (much cheaper now, see below), but the best available. The Hardware: In the box was a black DVD RW which was slim and lightweight (it was also available in white), the USB connector cable, the power transformer/cable (PSU- power supply unit... Read review

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Advantages: Easy to Install on XP literally plug and play
Disadvantages: Marginally slower than an internal

...means that it can be connected with little fuss. There is in theory a difference in the speed due to this but I hav'nt noticed since it takes time to burn to disc anyway especially to DVD. Another disadvantage is that with the introduction of dual layer devices this single layer version is already yesterdays technology. For anyone thinking of buying a drive like this I would recomment the Freecom as a good reliable drive which is easy to use. There are cheaper drives out there some with dual layer but in this case its better the devil you know. P.S. I am Assumining that it supports USB 2 since there is no mention of it in the packaging I can't be sure. But on the system it is classed as a Hi speed device which usually indicates USB 2. I also see no indication of you being able to use it as a DVD ram drive.... Read review

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