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

...I've owned my external Freecom CD RW for some time now, and it has given me excellent service, even though I have "hammered" it, burning DVD after DVD of years of stockpiled home video footage. Time after time, I have had great results with just one unsuccessful burn, but that was a faulty disk -which happens sometimes. When I first went in search of a DVD Re-writer, I was very tempted by getting an internal one to save desk-space and they were cheaper. But after some consideration I opted for the external because we have two computers and a laptop and it's just a question of plugging it in to the USB port of any machine I want to work with. Because it also plays DVD movies, it makes it really handy when I am having that long week-end staying at relatives and there's nothing to watch on TV. I can simply plug it into my laptop... Read review

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Advantages: Really easy set up, lightweight, good software provided
Disadvantages: Not found any

...... Read review

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Advantages: The software supplied, and the good instructions
Disadvantages: The speed

...comes with the following: - DW 7801 TE DVD+RW/CD-RW drive - Software CDs for recording and DVD authoring - Quick start guide, which is very informative - IDE cable - Audio cable The speeds of this drive are as follows: - 4x DVD+R Record - 2.4x DVD+RW ReWrite - 12x DVD Read - 16x CD-R Record - 10x CD-RW ReWrite - 40x CD Read There is a 2MB memory cache, an integrated buffer underrun technology which contributes to avoiding "Buffer Underruns", You can choose from a number of options for Writing a CD, such as Track-at-once, multisession, packet writing, etc. Overall this drivewould be suitable for anyone who wants a DVD writer but doesnt want to spend to much. Obviously if you have the money you could get a faster one but who really needs a faster one, for me this one is ideal. In response to a comment made here is the difference between... 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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Advantages: Re-Writable CD, 74min record time, 650MB storage
Disadvantages: Small storage compared to Re-Writable DVD's

...The Imation CD-RW 650 MB 24x discs are an excellent way to back up or store data at home or at work. I know it's not much storage compared to DVD-RW's but these still come in use as I still use them sometimes myself. As sometimes you don't need 4.7GB that a DVD can hold. Imation CD-RW rewritable discs have an increased recording speed of 24x and noise free play for a wide range of applications. Even though the CD-RW format requires speed compatible disc burners for recording, the discs can be used in standard CD-R/RW drives as well as Multi-read CD-R/CD-ROM, DVD-ROM and rewritable DVD drives. This is very useful as you may have a drive which can handle more speed which shouldn't have a compatibility issue. Main features and functions: - Storage media type CD-RW - 10 discs - 650 MB storage - 74min recording time - Write Speed: 24x... Read review

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Advantages: Good value, one touch recording, easy menus
Disadvantages: No DivX playback

...This dvd recorder is quite surprising. I was expecting a very basic unit with basic functions. However I am pleasantly surprised! It is easy to set up as there are 2 scart sockets along with audio and video sockets too. It plays all cd formats DVD Video • VCD • SVCD • DVD-R • DVD-RW • DVD+R • DVD+RW • CD (Audio) • CD-R • CD-RW • Picture CD and also supports MP3 and JPG formats too. However it will only record onto DVD+RW which is not a problem as this format is readily available. I bought my discs from Morissons supermarket and they work fine. You can alter the record time from Standard Play up to Super Extended Play, although I have noticed the picture quality does diminish somewhat when using the Super Extended Play mode. I tend to use Long Play unless I am using it to record... Read review

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Advantages: Cheap at the time, Easy to use, Well Written Manual, Quality Playback.
Disadvantages: Poor quality system with fundamental flaws!

...I purchased a Cyberhome 1600 DVR from Asda approximately two and a half years ago. For its price of around £65, it has lasted a lot longer than I thought it would and is still going strong, despite the regular hammering of childrens DVD's it gets. :) It is well styled, and compact so as not to be too over intrusive when placed under your T.V. Playback of DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, Audio CD, Video CD, Super Video CD, CD-R & CD-RW with audio, MP3, JPEG, MPEG gives absolutely perfect picture quality and sound, comparable and as good as that of more superior and expensive systems. The only flaw!! And quite a flaw, is the DVD Recording section. I struggled to record onto discs, with the DVR1600 failing to finalize, or finalizing but on playback flashing a "Disk Unknown" alert. Further investigation on the internet into the problems... Read review

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Advantages: reliable, portable, no mistakes in recording
Disadvantages: noisy

...easy to install. We did it twice on both computers (laptop and desk comp - no probs) 3) PORTABILITY: as a fan of traveling and digital photo shooting I carry this device wherever i go. Its size of 11" x 6" x 2" + the cable with adapter is laptop bag friendly. I have a soft Asus Spirit laptop case and have no problem to accommodate the lot. 4) SPEED: variable from very slow (4) to hight speed (12) I used different speed level - all my records had no mistake. NEGATIVE VIEW: not a lot! 1) NOISE LEVEL: mine is quite noisy while it's reading a disk. 2) MANUAL: no manual on paper. it comes just with one disc. OVERVIEW: highly recommend to have one if you need an external CD rewriter. Also very handy if your existing computer can't reed CD RW (reed just CD-R) PS my baby just dropped in on the floor - not a big distance (10") but I have... Read review

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Advantages: Sony quality
Disadvantages: More inputs on back, just has Scart with S-Video on front of unit

...Very happy with the unit, no problems so far (had it 2 weeks). I've got mine recording from a PVR (Virgin Cable) - got it for £80 so don't need the digital tuner, recording quality ok over RGB Scart from the PVR. I've go the unit outputting to the HD TV through component, upscaling seems to work quite well, overall I think original movie DVD playback is certainly better than my last player (nothing special, old Samsung). You need to use either the HDMI or component output from the unit to take advantage of the upscaling feature of the player. I've just been using Verbatim 16 speed DVD-R and DVD-RW discs (not +) and had no compatibility issues so far using DVD's I've made on this unit in other DVD players. I've had issues using the DVD+ discs in the past with compatibility. To clarify on the previous review, the specs of the unit claim... Read review

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Advantages: Cheap, feature packed
Disadvantages: Too powerful for Windows users

...Windows, the drivers are installed first, then the adapter is plugged in.. Windows is a bit backwards sometimes, then it installs BlazeHDTV. For Windows users this is well worth the £9 of the card. It lets you watch the Freeview channels at high definition when they are launched. It will also play hd-dvd if you have the drive for that. It does not come with an aerial, but a very good one is available from Argos at £13. The remote control is a bit weird, it looks like a credit card, exactly the same size. IMPORTANT: Windows Media Centre does not support this card as it is a true HD card, and Media Centre cannot handle HD-TV The adapter supports the following. DVB-T Freeview DVB-T HD Freeview (not launched yet) DVB-T Radio (note, not DAB) Record to Mpeg Under Linux the card also supports Timeshifting of live TV Record to Mpeg... Read review

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