ASUS (DRW-1814BL) DVD-RAM Burner - Dual Layer and LightScribe Burning at a Low Price!
Written: Jan 04 '08 (Updated Jun 10 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Gets the job done for the price. Easily installed and ready for action.
Cons: Slow dual layer burning and some may not like LightScribe due to lack of color.
The Bottom Line: This is a great burner for its functionality and price.
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| mongomad1's Full Review: ASUS (DRW-1814BL) DVD-RAM Burner |
Recently, I purchased two of these devices for our two PC's (gotta have one for the wife). I am very pleased with the value of this optical drive.
Reasons for Purchase
I wanted dual layer capability to record videos longer than 2 hours which is not an issue for the 8.5GB Dual Layer Media.
Also, I wanted to be able to make the DVD's look somewhat professional, rather than Black Sharpie describing what is on it. Hence the LightScribe capabilities were intriguing. I already have a color printer and did not want to purchase a new one yet that prints on specially coated discs until they come down a bit and I find one that meets all my needs.
My wife is a realtor and customers request those virtual tours that give the ability to peruse a home using your mouse to look around. Some customers wanted discs they could give to potential buyers as they make their decision. Black Sharpie is not the most professional image to portray nor is having a sticker placed on them that may get caught up in someone's optical drive should the adhesive give way.
Performance
Knock on wood, I have yet to make a coaster out of a CD or a DVD, including the Dual Layer variety. It is faster than my previous burner and nearly silent. This is thanks to the ASUS DDSSII technology that horizontally and vertically stabilizes the pick-up head for precise tracking and focusing. Thus a reduction in vibration and noise.
It also has a pinhole on it that you can stick a small object, say a pin, into it for ejection if there is a problem with the external button. I have tried it and it works, though I did not have an issue. Just testing it out.
The dual layer burning is SLOW, though I have not timed it exactly. With info for near capacity, I believe it took around 45 minutes or more and I do not think it reached the 8X claim. I used Verbatim Discs, so I might try a different brand. All other burning performs as advertised.
The two purchased are running on two different O/S's and there is no problem with either. Mine is on XP Pro and the wife's is on Vista Home Basic.
LightScribe is NEAT! Though it may be a bit faint for the eyes in some folks opinions, I like the look. It requires LightScribe compatible discs that are a little more than regular media as you might expect. Not exorbitantly so.
You can use the Nero Software that came with it (I already had the full version of Nero 7) to make high quality labels. Keep in mind it is not color, only grayscale. Compared to Black Sharpie, it is WONDERFUL. Just flip it to the top-side down in the tray, make your label and burn, baby, burn.
Installation
No problems here. If you are just replacing your current drive, set it as master or if you are making it the secondary burner, set it as slave. This information is included in the instructions as far as where to place the jumpers.
Attach it to the IDE Ribbon Cable as slave or master (the end connection of the ribbon cable is for the master if it is not labeled), depending on which option you choose for the jumpers, find an available 4-pin molex power connector (the same used for most optical drives, the large white ones from your power supply) and you are good! Well, after you screw the DVD Burner in place on the chassis and close up your case.
Tech Specs:
Performance
DVD-ROM Access Time 140ms
CD-ROM Access Time 150ms
Cache 2MB
Write Speed
DVD R 18X
DVD RW 8X
DVD-R 18X
DVD-RW 6X
CD-R 48X
CD-RW 32X
DVD R DL 8X
DVD-R DL 8X
DVD-RAM 14X
READ Speed
DVD-ROM 16X
CD-ROM 48X
LightScribe Support
Physical Specifications
Form Factor 5"
Black in color (no extra face plates to match your PC)
Configuration PATA
Operating Systems Supported
Windows XP/NT/2000/Vista
Software included: Nero 7 Essentials
Other Features
18x DVD /-R with 8x double layer (both & -) & 14X DVDRAM write. DDSSII and AFFM technology make Asus DVDRW a VERY quiet drive (QuieTrack Technology).
Final Thoughts
For the price, you really get a lot of features and burning capabilities. While it may not rival top end burners capable of the same things, it suits a budget minded, occasional to moderately frequent burner that wants the final product to look sharp on the outside and have exceptional quality when it hits the DVD player of its intended audience.
If this review was informative for you, please feel free to visit my other Asus Optical Drive Review:
ASUS DRW-2014L1 DVD±R Dual Layer Burner I Rated It: 4 Stars
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 37.00
Operating System: Windows
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mongomad1
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Location: Actionville, FL (Jacksonville)
Reviews written: 58
Trusted by: 65 members
About Me:
I would give my right arm to be ambidextrous.
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