Microsoft Windows 95/98 CD Drives

The Bottom Line: MSI's quiet, solidly constructed CR52-M has a number of interesting design flourishes, but we prefer Lite-On's faster LTR-52327S.

Specs: CD-RW, 52x, 52x, 32x

The Bottom Line: If you already have Nero Burning ROM or Easy CD Creator, the I/O Magic provides smooth, quiet, and fast performance. Otherwise, check out the 52X TDK VeloCD.

Specs: CD-RW, 52x, 52x, 24x

The Bottom Line: If you can live with fewer setup amenities, the LiteOn offers top-flight performance at an affordable price.

Specs: CD-RW, 52x, 52x, 24x

The Bottom Line: If you want cutting-edge CD-RW speed at a low price, this 40X/12X/48X-rated drive delivers both with few frills--and few compromises. It's a good budget buy for consumers and small businesses.

Specs: CD-RW, 48x, 40x, 12x

The Bottom Line: Despite its average performance and spare bundle, the Samsung SW-232B stands out from other 32X drives because of its noise-dampening technology--a potential boon to crowded offices and homes.

Specs: CD-RW, 40x, 32x, 10x

The Bottom Line: The Backpack could be great for offices with a diverse inventory of PCs because it's capable, rugged, and compatible with just about any computer ever made. But its packet-writing software puts the Backpack a bit behind in the applications curve.

Specs: CD-RW, 40x, 32x, 10x

The Bottom Line: This speedy CD-R/RW drive is perfect for experienced users on a budget, but novices will need better documentation than the drive provides.

Specs: CD-RW, 40x, 20x, 10x

The Bottom Line: The perfect solution for audiophiles or the performance-minded who want a bargain, not a barrelful of extras.

Specs: CD-RW, 40x, 24x, 10x

The Bottom Line: With a big software bundle and speedy performance, this is the perfect drive for anyone new to the CD-R/RW world.

Specs: CD-RW, 40x, 20x, 10x

The Bottom Line: The Yamaha has the potential to be a really fast drive, but software compatibility issues make it more of a fixer-upper.

Specs: CD-RW, 40x, 16x, 10x