Plextor PlexWriter 8/20 8X Recorder |
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Type of Product |
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The PlexWriter 8/20, Plextor's first high-performance 8X SCSI CD-Recordable drive, is a professional quality CD writer. It is literally twice as fast as the previous generation of 4X recorders, as it can write an entire 650MB CD in less than ten minutes. It writes data at 8X and reads at a maximum speed of 20X. The PlexWriter 8/20 offers 10MB/s data transfer rate and a 170 ms access time. The combination of a fast SCSI burst rate, low CPU utilization, a large 4MB buffer and synchronous data transfer all add up to increase the efficiency and the reliability of CD writing. It supports all major recordable CD-R discs and allows the reading of CD TEXT information as provided on the latest audio CDs. It is excellent for archiving or backing up data, images or video to CD-R, publishing data on CD, mastering new software programs, creating new multimedia titles, mixing and creating custom CD-Audio discs, CD duplication and file sharing. There is an external as well as an internal model. Price: External--$689.00. Internal--$599.00. See the Plextor Web site for information on other products: http://www.plextor.com | ||
User Level |
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The PlexWriter is an excellent choice for someone just learning how to record or copy CDs. It is easy to install and use, and there are good manuals and a thorough on-line help feature. Yet it has enough robust and powerful features for professional users. | ||
Features |
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Review |
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Installation: Installation was straight forward and simple for the external model. I already had a SCSI card installed for a scanner. I had to disable the termination on the CD-R, via the DIP switches on the back panel, as I placed the CD-R as the first device in the daisy chain, and I enabled the termination on the scanner as it was last device in the chain. The SCSI ID number was okay at the factory setting, but it is easy enough to change by turning the dial on the back panel of the CR-R. With the hardware installed and configured, I proceeded to install the software. The manuals gave very clear information on the installation process. Manuals: There are three manuals that come with the recorder: an PlexWriter 8/20 Operation Manual; a Plextor Hard Drive Disaster Recovery Software User's Manual, and a Plextor Manager User's Manual. On-line Help: There is also on-line help for various software on the CD such as the Easy CD Creator software and the CD Copier software. Construction: The external PlexWriter is a small compact product that will easily fit anywhere. It's about 7.0" wide, 2.24" high, and 12.03" deep. There is a front panel and software controls for easy playback of your favorite music CDs. Its solid construction and advanced components make for creating error-free CDs. Brushless motors with two bearings on cushioned suspension ensure minimal disc vibration. You don't have to tiptoe around the house while using the recorder for fear of jarring it and ruining a CD. Other Applications Included on the CD--The PlexWriter comes bundled with a variety of software:
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Personal Comments |
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This is a very reliable, sturdy, easy to use CD recorder. The price might be somewhat steeper than for other brands but you get what you pay for. Plextor has an excellent reputation and this piece of equipment will give you fast and hasslefree recording for many years. It is simple enough for a beginner recorder but has enough power that a user will not have to spend more money upgrading it when they want advanced features. | ||
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