Microsoft Windows 2000 CD Drives

The Bottom Line: If you're not in the market for a DVD burner, the Lite-On LTR-52327S's performance, documentation, tech support, and modest price make this CD-RW drive a must-have.

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

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: The LaCie offers solid and speedy performance, but its bulky size and weight limit its portability.

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

The Bottom Line: The EZQuest Boa's mixed performance makes it better for burning backup CDs than ripping audio tracks, but its low price, Mac/PC compatibility, and integrated design offer a decent budget value.

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

The Bottom Line: With slick looks, plenty of audio-mastering power, and heavy-duty performance, this drive will please aspiring digital DJs or anyone looking for blazing packet-writing performance.

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

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: We love the Spyder's low-profile, retro design and all of its features and extras. But at nearly two pounds, it's almost twice the weight of most travel CD-RW drives.

Specs: CD-RW, 24x, 12x, 8x

The Bottom Line: A good choice for anyone who wants strong overall CD-RW performance and plenty of powerful software.

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

The Bottom Line: With its mix of outstanding packet-writing performance yet subpar CD reading, the Sony CRX175M/C1 is an average drive at a somewhat high price. But if you use Memory Sticks, it's a shoo-in.

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

The Bottom Line: The PlexWriter 8/8/24U is slim, handsome, and reasonably priced for an external CD-RW travel drive, but its CD-RW write performance is disappointing due to a glitch in the included Roxio Easy CD Creator Basic.

Specs: CD-RW, 24x, 8x, 8x