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When it comes to
optical drives, one brand that folks have turned to time and
time again, for reliability and performance, would be
Plextor. We have had our looks at many a CD-RW drive
and even a few 4X DVD burners this past year. However,
we were beginning to reach a point in time, where we were
looking for the next "big thing". It looks as if we're
on the verge of this with optical drive technology in 2004.
Plextor is stepping out ahead in their core competancy,
against the competition, with a drive that's not only
dual-format, allowing for reading and writing to DVD+R and
DVD-R, but does so with what is claimed to be speedy 8X
technology. The PX-708A is marketed as one of the
first 8X drives to hit the market, burning over 4GB of data
in just over 8 minutes. If you can think to only a few
years back, we were glad just to be able to burn 700MB to a
CD in half an hour or so. Additionally, Plextor has
also provided speedy 40X/32X options for writing and reading
CD-Rs as well, so there isn't much compromise with this
DVD+R/-R drive. Plextor appears to have come a long
way with the technology, so let's get to the details and see
what makes the PX-708A tick.
CLICK ON
ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE
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Specifications of the Plextor PX-708A |
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Everything except the kitchen sink |
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Model: PX-708A
Interface: ATAPI / IDE
Data Buffer Memory: 2MB
Average Access Time: DVD: 150ms
Average Access Time: CD: 100ms
Data Transfer Rates:
DVD+R Write: 8x
DVD-R Write: 4x
DVD+RW Write: 4x
DVD-RW Write: 2x
DVD Read: Up to 12x
CD-R Write: 40x
CD-RW Write: 24x
CD Read: Up to 40x
CD-RW Read: Up to 32x
Supported Formats: CD-Audio, CD-DA, CD-ROM,
CD-ROM XA, CD-R, CD-R, CD-RW, Video CD, CD Extra, CD+G,
CD-Text, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-ROM,
DVD-Video, DVD+VR, DVD-VR (read only), Mixed Mode,
Bootable CD, UDF
Recording Modes:
Packet, TAO, DAO, SAO, RAW SAO, RAW DAO, RAW SAO 16,
RAW SAO 96, RAW DAO 16, RAW DAO 96
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Buffer
Management: Buffer Underrun Proof technology
prevents buffer underrun errors, allowing user to
multi-task during recording.
Write Methods: DVD: Sequential write,
random-access write, multi-session, and Mount Rainier
CD: Disk at Once, Track at Once, Session at Once,
Multi-Session, variable and fixed packet writing, and
Mount Rainier .
Write Verification: PoweRec technology uses a
sophisticated write strategy providing superior
quality recording at maximum speeds.
Other Features: Zero-link for DVD-RW
has 0 byte gap between sessions to ensure
compatibility with all players.
Front
Panel: Eject/Load Button, LED Indicator, Headphone
Jack, Headphone Volume Control Wheel Knob, Emergency
Eject Hole
Disc Loading: Black Loading Tray - reduces
optical distortion
Power Requirement: +12V DC and +5V DC
Mounting Orientation: Horizontal or Vertical,
±15 degrees
Dimensions: (WxHxD) 146mm x 41.3mm x 190mm
(5.75" x 1.63" x 7.48")
Weight: less than 1.2 kg (about 2.6 lbs.)
Temperature: operating: 0-40° C,
non-operating -40-60° C
Humidity: operating: 20%-80% R.H.,
non-operating 20%-95% R.H.
Safety Requirement: UL, FDA, FCC, CE, BSMI,
MIC, C-Tick
MTBF: 60,000 hours
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Bundled Media and Software |
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Putting it all together |
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While Plextor
has covered just about everything when it comes to the
reading and writing CDs and DVDs, we were somewhat let down
by the bundle that we found in the box. There was a
expansive manual that covers all of the specifications of
the PX-708A. 30 pages alone explain the various installation
options, depending on the current system configuration and
normal use. These pages are a boon for anyone new to
the art of installing hardware or using a DVD/writeable
drive for the first time. It's obvious that time and
effort went into the writing to allay any reluctance and
questions that users might have. For those who are a
little more experienced, a quick reference guide covered all
of the necessary steps to install the hardware and software.
In order to do so, we've got a 40-pin IDE cable and some
mounting screws, as well as an extra jumper cap, should the
current one get fumbled away. Plextor has also
included an emergency ejection "tool" - essentially a
straight, thin metal rod that can be inserted into the eject
hole in the front plate.
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- PX-708A User's
Manual
- Quick reference
guide
- DVD with bundled
software
- One blank DVD+R
- 40-pin IDE ribbon
cable
- 4 mounting screws
- Extra jumper cap
- Emergency Eject tool
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On the software
side, we've got a single DVD with various applications to
get the most out of the drive. One of the more popular
tools, Roxio Easy CD & DVD Creator 6 and Photosuite 5 SE
highlight the list. While we usually prefer to use
Nero Burning Rom, Roxio's burning solution uses a flash
tutorial to explaining the ins and outs of creating audio
CDs, data CDs, and DVD video in quick and easy steps,
perfect for a new user. Photosuite provides
professional-level editing tools for creating projects, with
integrated CD burning capabilities. Two other tools
can utilize the PX-708A much like an additional hard drive.
Roxio's Drag-to-Disc allows the user to drag and drop files
to a DVD for additional off-site storage, while a trial
version of Dantz Retrospect can be used to backup and
restore the system should problems arise in the future.
Unfortunately, Plextor has only included one blank DVD+R for
trying out all of these tools. It may help keep costs
down, but we would have preferred some additional media
here.
Shades of the PX-708A
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