Inexpensive and effective, no problems
Written: Jul 23 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to set up & use, hot swappable
Cons: Software that comes with unit isn't the industry standard
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| LiTeSp3eD's Full Review: Sony SPRESSA USB Burner |
First off let me say that this unit has never caused a lockup on my machine, and I have never ruined a CD-R or CD-RW. The reason for this is setting up the drive properly. On a Windows machine, you must uncheck the "auto insert notification" checkbox in Device Manager. There was an insert in the newer drives informing the customer that this must be done, but apparently on the older drives this insert was not included. If you don't do this (and unless the insert or tech support tells you to, you probably wouldn't happen upon it), your computer is in danger of hanging when burning a CD.
That said, I understand why some people are not happy with this drive. If I purchased it and was not informed about this setting, and made a stack of "coasters", I wouldn't be too happy with Sony. With the device set up correctly, however, it's a very reasonable priced and effective CD-RW drive.
I bought it primarily for the price. I wanted a USB drive after having dealt with my girlfriend's parallel port Zip drive on my laptop in the past, and I don't like having to reboot every time I need the drive. If you have a desktop machine, this might not be as big of a deal, since the drive will be hooked up everytime you turn the machine on. Among USB drives, this unit is very reasonably priced.
I have made several audio CDs for myself and friends, as well as burning data CDs to free up space on my meager hard drive. I have yet to run into any problems with these CDs in any way. The software that comes with the drive, Hotburn, is a Sony program that is effective. However, I would much rather have received the Adaptec software that most CD-R and RW drives ship with.
The drive itself is white with assorted iMac colored "feet" (teal comes with the drive, other colors available by mail), a color scheme that might match an iMac or a desktop computer, but doesn't look too high-tech next to a black laptop. I would much rather own a black or grey drive, but for the price I won't complain too much.
This unit is good for anyone from beginners to techies, and it should be a snap to hook it up and start burning CDs for pretty much anyone comfortable with a computer. The USB connection is faster and more convenient than other connection methods, and the price is right.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
LiTeSp3eD
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Member: Ryan Long
Location: Muncie, IN
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 0 members
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