Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have only had this drive for a couple days, but I can say that I am pleased with it overall. I am using it with a laptop on a comapct desk, so the fact that it stands vertically (w/included stand) helps with space consevation. The Dual-Layer DVDs that it can create are wonderfull for storing lots of home videos, pictures, and in most cases 2 full movies. The included Nero software is very user friendly, so you'll be making relatively professional looking DVD home movies (complete with custom menus and options) in no time.
I only have 2 things to complain about on this package (one on the unit and one on the software), and they are just nit-picky little things.
1. UNIT - While the unit itself is fairly attractive (silver & black case w/blue LEDs), it is rather flimsy. This is not really an issue as long as you are careful moving it while it is running. Without thinking, I grabbed the body by the sides while in its vertical position. This caused the top of the case to bow in and hit the drive spindle, resulting in an awful grinding noise. While this incident had no affect on the unit or its current process this time, I could see how it may in future careless occurances. Not a big deal. Just don't be clumsy like me.
2. SOFTWARE - Again, not a big problem, just an annoyance. I am running this program on what the box calls the preferred sytem specs for best performance. While creating a 2 hour (4.07 GB) DVD movie with basic menus only takes a few minutes, the processing time before it writes takes a long time. After you hit the "Burn" button, the total process progress line says that the time remaining on the project is a little over 4 hours. The actual time it takes to write on the disc is a little more than an hour (this is a pretty fast drive). The other 3 hours seems to be taken up by conversion, encoding, processing, etc. My guess is that this would take a lot less time on a faster system. Read the "System Requirements" for the software on the box. I suggest having at least the "Reccomended" specs to have a pleasent experience. If you only have the minimum system requirements, I would be prepared to settle in for the long haul for each project.
Also, I bought this in store at Staples for a hundred and thirty-nine bucks. Much cheaper than anywhere else I saw it.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Memorex 32023288 DVD Double-Layer Recorder 16x16 Dual Format External Drive
The Memorex DVD Double-Layer Recorder helps you record DVDs and CDs easily, even double layer or HD DVD discs. The 16x dual format means that the drive supports both the current standard for DVD recorders, in addition to the newer HD DVD format, so that you don't have to worry about what type of disc to use. Double layer recording lets you create DVD+R9 discs that hold up to 8.5 GB, which is about 80% more than single layer discs are capable of holding. The drive features built-in buffer underrun protection along with built-in Flash-ROM to allow you to upgrade online. The included Nero Software Suite provides a clean and intuitive interface for quick and easy recording of CDs and DVDs. This sleek, external drive also comes with a stand that allows you to prop the drive on its side to save space on your desktop.
The drive comes with both USB 2.0 and FireWire ports. It can record DVDs at the following maximum speeds:
16x DVD+/-R
4x DVD+R9 (double layer)
8x DVD+RW
6x DVD-RW
It can write to CDs at the following maximum speeds:
48x CD-R
24x CD-RW
What's in the Box External drive, Nero Software Suite, FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 cables, and drive stand.
