The Plextor PlexWriter runs so fast it needs a fan to keep it cool! Installation of the PlexWriter is no harder than the installation of any CD ROM. The manual came with very complete instructions. All I did was remove my old Plextor 12/10/32A and replaced it with the 16/10/40A. You can install the PlexWriter as a stand alone CD Writer or with your existing CD ROM drive. Since most people like to make backups of their CDs, the second option is the most common.

With a burn speed of 2.4MB per second, you expect the PlexWriter to be fast. Well, you won't be disappointed. I was able to burn a full 74 minute audio CD in just under 5 minutes! This is worlds away from my old 1X burner I had less than two years ago.  This kind of speed is very addicting. Once you get use to it, you don't want to go back. The only problem you may encounter is finding media that can record at 16X.  The Plextor recording software is really nothing more than Adaptec Direct CD and Easy CD Creator with a Plextor skin. Direct CD and Easy CD are very easy to use but I still like Nero Burn more.  

With a street price of about $299.00, the PlexWriter offers a very fast way to create your own CDs. The unit is as easy to use as a floppy drive. With a read speed of 40X, it can even replace your CD ROM. Having 10X rewrite makes the unit way more useable. For backing up media, you simply can't beat the cost of a CD-R and the Plextor 16/10/40A for backing up your media at record breaking speed.

Plextor’s reliability is proven by an impressive history of quality products, dependable service and industry accolades. If you're in the market for a fast CD Writer you can't go wrong with the PlexWriter 16/10/40. While it's a little more expensive than competing CD Writers, the extra you pay may be worth it for the quality and reputation of Plextor.

The Goods

• 16X CD burn speed
• 10X rewrite
• Good software bundle
• Cool fan out back
• Easy to install

The Bads

• Not all CD-R disk can run at 16X

Rating: 9/10

[Page 1] [Page 2] [Page 3] [Home]