X-bit labs

Sunday, January 30, 2005

Picking Up Optimal Dual-Layer DVD Burner. Six Dual-Layer DVD Burners Reviewed

As demand for storage capacities increases, more sophisticated types of media and burners are required. But every time we buy new optical burners – be it a CD-R, a DVD-R or a dual-layer DVD-R – we constantly want to have the greatest speeds and astonishing reliability at the same time, as a result of such wishes we spend quite some time choosing the optical media recorders.

ExtremeTech web-site has decided to ease the task and reviewed DL DVD burners from AOpen, ASUS, Memorex, Pioneer, Samsung and Sony.

“Of the drives we tested, the ASUS and Memorex drives are notable. The ASUS drive offers the exceptional DVD-ROM performance of the Pioneer mechanism, and is certainly no slouch in the DVD burning department. But seek times are a bit lacking, and the drive is bulky. The Memorex is another compact drive. While its performance is generally middle-of-the-road, it does offer a good software bundle, but it’s not the least expensive drive by any means,” the web-site claims.

“Overall, we liked the Sony and Samsung drives best, for somewhat different reasons. Both are compact drives that are well-suited for any PC chassis, including small-form-factor cases. The Sony drive is the better performer, and offers a better software suite, but the Samsung costs less. Both are balanced performers in their price categories,” ExtremeTech concludes.

• ExtremeTech: Six Dual-Layer DVD Burners.

Mac Mini Underwent Surgery to Reveal Inner Hardware. Web-Site Opens Up Mac Mini

Hundreds of customers streamed to local retailers during the weekend in Tokyo, Japan to get themselves Apple’s new Mac Mini computer, which appeared to be in so high demand that not all among enthusiasts could get the gadget.

The most affordable version of the Mac Mini features 1.25GHz PowerPC G4 processor, 40GB hard disk drive, while the more expensive includes 1.42GHz central processing unit and 80GB HDD. Both Mac mini computers sport 256MB PC2700 memory; ATI RADEON 9200 graphics chip; DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive; 10/100Mbps Ethernet; 56K modem; FireWire, USB 2.0 as well as other features.

Among the lucky owners of the Mac Mini appeared to be editorial team over PC Watch web-site, who not just acquired the small white plastic box from Apple Computer, but also opened it up to see what components were inside.

• PC Watch: 250 People Form a Queue for Mac Mini (in Japanese).
• PC Watch: Mac Mini Surgery Report (in Japanese).
• PC Watch: 250 People Form a Queue for Mac Mini (in English, translated by Babel Fish).
• PC Watch: Mac Mini Surgery Report (in English, translated by Babel Fish) .
• X-bit labs: Apple Targets Budget Customers with New Mac Mini.
• X-bit labs: Substantial Part of PC Users Would Consider Mac as Second Computer – Poll.