Plextor Plexwriter 16/10/40A--ONE WORD: FAST
Written: Apr 26 '01 (Updated Apr 28 '01)
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Pros: 16X burnspeed, 10X rewrite, good software, cool fan out back, easy to install
Cons: Not all CD-R disk can run at 16X
The Bottom Line: It's extremely fast and unbelievably reliable... what more does one want!!!!!!
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| wutang2364's Full Review: Plextor PlexWriter 16/10/40A CD-RW Burner |
This is one fast CD writer! 16X write, 10X rewrite and 40X read. Plextor makes two versions of the 16/10/40, the A model and S model. The A stands for ATAPI, the S stands for SCSI. For this review, we took a look at the 16/10/40A.
When it comes to recording CDs, SCSI has always held an advantage over the ATAPI interface because the SCSI interface can handle up to 256 simultaneous request, making far greater efficiency when there is lots of back and forth communications between devices (as would happen if you're burning a CD). ATAPI can only handle one request at a time and must block other requests until the original request is done. ATAPI must also rely on the computer's CPU to negotiate communication between devices.
Because of these limitations, a drive that uses the ATAPI interface has a much higher chance of running into the hated "Buffer Underrun" error. A buffer underrun occurs when the source (hard drive or CD ROM) can't feed data to the CD Writer buffer fast enough. When this happens, the laser stops and you create a nice CD drink coaster. OK, so it's not nice. Plextor gets rid of buffer underrun with a technology call Burn Proof. Invented by Sanyo, Burn Proof allows the laser to stop writing if the buffer empties. While the lasers takes a break, the drive fills its buffer, locates the last burned sector, and re-initiates the burning process. No more coasters!
The PlexWriter comes with Plextor Manager 2000, a complete CD burning software suite consisting of MVP 2000, Audio Capture 2000, DiscDupe 2000, Audio FS and Drive Properties. The only thing missing is a CD labeling kit.
SPECIFICATIONS
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MODELS 16/10/40 ReWritable Atapi CD-ROM Recorder
Disc
Usable Formats Read & Write CD-DA; CD-ROM (Mode 1); CD-ROM (Mixed Mode); CD-ROM XA; Mode 2 Form 1 and Form 2; Mode 2 CD-I; Photo CD; Video CD; CD-Extra; CD+G; CD Text
Disc Diameter 12cm (60 min. & 74 min.)
Writing Modes Track-at-Once, Disc-at-Once, Session-at-Once,
Multisession, Fixed and Variable Packet Writing
Data Transfer Rate CLV Write/CAV Read
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Sustained Read/Write 40X (read only) 6.0MB/sec – Outer Track
14X (read only) 2.1MB/sec - Inner Track
16X (write only) 2.4MB/sec
10X (rewrite only) 1.5MB/sec
8X (read/write/rewrite) 1.2MB/sec
4X (read/write/rewrite) 600KB/sec
Burst Read/Write 16.6MB/sec (PIO Mode 4/DMA Mode 2))
Average Random Access 150ms
Spindle Motor Brushless
Error Rate Mode 1: Block/1012 Bits; Mode 2: Block/109 Bits
Front Panel
Eject Auto Eject; Manual Emergency Eject
Lights Power On/Disc Access
Disc Loading Auto
Headphone Jack Stereo Minijack, 0.8V at 32 Ohms
Volume Control Wheel Knob
Rear Panel
Power Supply DC +5V: 500mA
DC +12V: 600mA
Interface Connector IDE host adapter and 40-pin Flat E-IDE cable
Audio Output Stereo Analog Output, Molex Connector (L*G*G*R), MPC3 Standard
Jumper Switches Master; Slave; Cable Select
Dimensions & Weight
Dimensions (W/H/D) 5.75" x 1.63" x 7.95" (without front panel)
Weight 2.5 lbs.
Reliability
MTBF 60,000 POH
Tray Loading 200,000 Load Cycles
HOW DOES IT PERFORM?:
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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 $299.00 (low price here), the PlexWriter offers a very fast way to create your own CDs. The unit is as easy to use as a floppy drive. With a read speed of 40X, it can even replace your CD ROM. Having 10X rewrite makes the unit way more useable. For backing up media, you simply can't beat the cost of a CD-R and the Plextor 16/10/40A for backing up your media at record breaking speed.
Plextor’s reliability is proven by an impressive history of quality products, dependable service and industry accolades. If you're in the market for a fast CD Writer you can't go wrong with the PlexWriter 16/10/40. While it's a little more expensive than competing CD Writers, the extra you pay may be worth it for the quality and reputation of Plextor
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 299
Operating System: Windows
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Epinions.com ID:
wutang2364
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Member: Wouter Reyniers
Location: Bradenton
Reviews written: 15
Trusted by: 10 members
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