8x 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: Due to its small form factor, the LaCie Slim DVD+/-RW with LightScribe burner is a good choice for those who need a burner while traveling; however, its audience is limited to Windows users.

Specs: DVD±RW (+R DL), 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD), 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD±R) / 2.4x (DVD+R DL), 24x (CD) / 4x (DVD±R)

The Bottom Line: If you're looking for an external burner that's small enough to carry with your notebook computer, the Asus SDRW-0804P-D is the one for you.

Specs: DVD±RW (+R DL), 20x (CD) / 8x (DVD), 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD±R) / 2.4x (DVD+R DL), 24x (CD) / 4x (DVD±RW)

The Bottom Line: This double-layer drive is versatile but is easily outpaced by other external DVD drives.

Specs: DVD±RW (+R DL), 40x (CD) / 8x (DVD), 40x (CD) / 8x (DVD-R) / 12x (DVD+R) / 4x (DVD+R DL), 24x (CD) / 4x (DVD±RW)

The Bottom Line: HP's innovative DVD Movie Writer dc3000 offers an easy route from VHS to DVD, and it's a decent burner to boot.

Specs: DVD+RW, 40x (CD) / 8x (DVD), 16x (CD) / 4x (DVD), 10x (CD) / 2.4x (DVD)

The Bottom Line: Despite some petty penny-pinching on Sony's part, the DRU-510A establishes a new industry standard for burning performance and versatility.

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

The Bottom Line: With the MPD-AP20U at your side, you'll be able to tackle most of your optical storage tasks while on the go.

Specs: CD-RW / DVD-ROM combo, 24x (CD) / 8x (DVD), 24x, 10x

The Bottom Line: HP's replacement for the DVD200i is solid, if uninspiring. You get decent performance and features and superior support for a darn good price.

Specs: DVD+RW, 40x (CD) / 8x (DVD), 16x (CD) / 4x (DVD), 10x (CD) / 2.4x (DVD)

The Bottom Line: If you're shopping for a DVD-recordable drive, put the fast, flexible DRU-500A at the top of your list.

Specs: DVD±RW, 32x (CD) / 8x (DVD), 24x (CD) / 4x (DVD-R) / 2.4x (DVD+R), 10x (CD) / 2x (DVD-RW) / 2.4x (DVD+RW)

The Bottom Line: With its easy setup, fast write speeds, and good software package, the DVDRW228 is a good buy for movie mavens.

Specs: DVD+RW, 32x (CD) / 8x (DVD), 12x (CD) / 2.5x (DVD), 10x (CD) / 2.5x (DVD)