Market
Most newer computers have CD/DVD writers installed. But writing to these tends to hog computer resources/time. Better then, if copies are foreseen, to have a separate machine make copies once the master or original has been created/'burned'. The copies can be tuned out in mere minutes. There are a lot of dedicated machines which are designed to quickly duplicate one or more CDs or DVDs. Many are somewhat bulky, even being housed in mini or full desktop tower boxes. And all are fairly expensive, certainly more than $200, even discounted on ebay.

Reintroduction
The e3works Disc Clone II is apparently a reworked/revamped model of an earlier Disc Clone that had certain problems. This new version II (or old version, it's been around for a while) comes with a black 'designer' case and provision for copying just one CD. It won't copy DVDs.

Operation
It's trivially easy to operate. It's designed as a one-touch CD duplicator. But it will also burn the master, as well. It can operate as an external/remote CD reader/writer on any USB line (that is, compatible back to Win98SE). The device operates in two separate modes, that is.

In the external mode, the Disc Clone II is switched on, and the three LEDs on the front are checked to see if it is ready. Then the USB cable is connected. Then the CD, or blank CD, depending, is inserted into the bottom tray (not the top tray). Then you read the CD, or use Nero or whatever to burn onto the blank CD. Just like that.

The other mode is the copy mode, which is why one would purchase this machine. The USB cable is not to be connected. The source/master CD is placed in the top tray. The blank CD is put in the bottom. And one has the option of a particularly fast burn in 'turbo' mode, or just a standard burn. The standard mode is probably the safest option. And in just a few minutes, the copy is done.

Copying the CDs this way, again, frees up the computer for whatever you want to use it for in the meantime.

Formats
CDs can come in an audio only format, or an audio with extra data section for use in the computer's CD drive. This machine recognizes either, burns either, and copies either accordingly.

Price
I got this as a bargain from a pawn broker (basically) selling on ebay. He couldn't verify operation, but only knew that it lit up when plugged in. I downloaded the drivers and had extra USB cables. And I was shocked, even, at how solid and reliable the machine was, and how quickly and effortlessly is worked.

The web site shows a discounted price of $200. But I paid $40-50 if I recall. It certainly should sell for much less than the $200 list, on ebay at any rate.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 50