AOpen CRW2440 CD-RW

Review Pages

1. Introduction
2. Data Tests
3. RW reading tests
4. DAE Tests
5. CDR Tests - Page 1
6. CDR Tests - Page 2
7. RW Writing Tests
8. Conclusion

AOpen CRW2440 IDE CDR-W - Page 8

Conclusion

Positive (+):

Negative (-):

- Supports 20x/24x writing speeds
- "JustLink" anti-coaster technology
- "JustSpeed" media quality detection system
- Low C1 errors with 24x certified media
- Very Good data reading performance
- Very Good Seek times
- Very Good packet reading/writing performance
- Supports HS-RW standard (10x re-write)
- Supports DAO-RAW
- Very Good CloneCD reading performance
- Supports reading/writing of SubChannel Data
- Supports CD-Text (reading/writing)
- Supports Overburning (up to 99mins)
- Supports Ultra-DMA 33 connection interface
- Retail package includes Nero 5.5x
- Low Price ($98)!!!!!!!

- 20x/24x writing speeds are slower than competition
- Low PSX reading time
- Bad DAE quality with scratched CDs
- Failed to backup SD2 protected CDs
- Problems with dusty/scratched media
- Problems with Verbatim HS-RW media

AOpen has deliberately delayed the shipping of their 24x writing proposal, but the final result is very good. Although the drive had a firmware version 0.95 it performed very good in most of our tests and in some cases it won the first place. In most cases, the PleXWriter PX-W2410A is faster and holds the lead but AOpen drive is very close. Both 20x/24x writing speeds are slower than the competition and that's a negative point for the drive. However it manages to produce low C1 errors during recording when 24x certified media was used. The JustSpeed technology is present and helps the drive in obtaining these excellent results.

The DAE is high, with good quality media, but has problems when dust and scratches are present. We spotted general recognition problems with tested discs that had fingerprints on them. The lack of making perfect SD2 backups is something that the competition offers, and its absence will disappoint many users.

The drive can be found at the price tag of 95-$110 making it very good looking in users eyes. The LiteOn LTR-24102B has also the same price and as for the PleXWriter PX-W2410A costs over $180. If you find this drive sold inside your local store, just stand in front of it and think about the positive & negatives. If the price is right, then the choice is very easy :-)