OPTICAL DRIVES

Internal Optical Drives

Sony DRU-830A

Specifications
Write: DVD-R / R: 18x; DVD RW / R DL / -R DL: 8x; DVD-RW: 6x; DVD-RAM: 12x; CD-R: 48x; CD-RW: 32x
Read: DVD-ROM: 16x; CD-ROM: 48x
USB 2.0; i.LINK FireWire; dimensions: 14.61 x 4.14 x 17.78 cm; weight: 0.91 kg

Our Verdict
The DRU-830A is capable of burning DVD R and -R at breakneck speeds of 18x, the fastest around. It can even write at 18x to 16x media! Dual-layer media can be burnt at 8x, which means you can burn a complete dual-layer media in under 15 minutes.
Nero will take care of your burning, and the bundling of a black bezel means you  can match the colour of your cabinet.

It has a 2 MB buffer and Ultra DMA33 interface and is cheaper than its competitors. It’s the natural choice for the Zero1 Award for internal DVD-Writers.

Runner-Up: NA

External Optical Drives

Sony DRX-830UL-T

Specifications
Write: DVD-R / R: 18x; DVD RW / R DL / -R DL: 8x; DVD-RW: 6x; DVD-RAM: 12x; CD-R: 48x; CD-RW: 32x
Read: DVD-ROM: 16x; CD-ROM: 48x
USB 2.0; i.LINK FireWire; dimensions: 5.08 x 16.51 x 24.89 cm; weight: 1.59 kg

Our Verdict
This drive performed toe-to-toe with its internal counterpart, when writing a DVD-R or a DVD R or even a CD-R. It supports hi-speed USB 2.0 as well as FireWire.
Sony provides a manual and a quick setup guide on CD. It comes with Nero and Roxio Toast 6 Lite DVD/CD.

A stand is provided so the drive can be placed in an upright position, thus saving valuable desktop space. Sony also provides USB and i.LINK FireWire cables, so no additional expenses for you.
With the lowest price in its category as well as the best performance and features, we have no reservations in awarding the Sony DRX-830UL-T the Zero1 Award for this category!

Runner-Up: NA