DVD-RAM DVD Drives

The Bottom Line: The Plextor PX-608CU portable DVD burner is a great match for users who have a laptop without a built-in DVD burner; we just don't know who that might be.

Specs: DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM, 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD), 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD±R) / 4x (DVD±R DL), 24x (CD) / 6x (DVD-RW) / 8x (DVD+RW) / 5x (DVD-RAM)

The Bottom Line: The Plextor PX-810SA internal CD/DVD burner is quick for both ripping and burning. We like it.

Specs: DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM, 40x (CD) / 16x (DVD), 40x (CD) / 18x (DVD±R) / 10x (DVD±R DL), 32x (CD) / 6x (DVD-RW) / 8x (DVD+RW) / 12x (DVD-RAM)

The Bottom Line: The Sony DRU-830A is a fast drive, but it's on the expensive side.

Specs: DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM, 48x (CD) / 16x (DVD), 48x (CD) / 18x (DVD±R) / 8x (DVD±R DL), 32x (CD) / 6x (DVD-RW) / 8x (DVD+RW) / 12x (DVD-RAM)

The Bottom Line: Iomega's jack-of-all-trades DVD burner turns out to be a master of none, though it does include good software and support.

Specs: DVD±RW / DVD-RAM, 32x (CD) / 12x (DVD), 24x (CD) / 4x (DVD-R) / 8x (DVD+R), 16x (CD) / 2x (DVD-RW) / 4x (DVD+RW) / 3x (DVD-RAM)

The Bottom Line: The IBM Multi-Burner Plus's superior software package and solid performance are well worth its relatively high price.

Specs: DVD±RW / DVD-RAM

The Bottom Line: Iomega's Super DVD Writer offers competitive performance for a reasonable price--perfect for anyone who wants five-format flexibility.

Specs: DVD±RW / DVD-RAM, 32x (CD) / 12x (DVD), 24x (CD) / 4x (DVD±R), 16x (CD) / 2x (DVD-RW) / 2.4x (DVD+RW) / 3x (DVD-RAM)

The Bottom Line: Thanks to its extensive software bundle and its ability to write to DVD-Rs, the Panasonic DVD burner is the drive to get if you're into digital video or want a good backup system for your computer.

Specs: DVD-R / DVD-RAM, 24x (CD) / 6x (DVD), 2x (DVD-RAM) / 1x (DVD-R), 2x

The Bottom Line: By supporting two of the competing DVD-recording standards, the QPS Que DVD burner reduces the risk to early adopters. But like any emerging technology, the experience is far from polished.

Specs: DVD-R / DVD-RAM, 24x (CD) / 6x (DVD), 2x

The Bottom Line: Despite its high price, the SD-W2002's speed and ease of use make it a good choice for professionals who archive large amounts of data regularly.

Specs: DVD-RAM, 24x (CD) / 6x (DVD)

Specs: DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM, 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD), 24x (CD) / 6x (DVD-R) / 8x (DVD+R) / 6x (DVD±R DL), 24x (CD) / 6x (DVD-RW) / 8x (DVD+RW) / 5x (DVD-RAM)