Mitsumi CR-4808TE CD-RW

Review Pages

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

Mitsumi CR-4808TE IDE CDR-W - Page 7

Conclusion

Positive (+):

Negative (-):

- Supports 16x writing (CLV) speed
- "ExacLink" anti-coaster technology
- Has build-in media quality detection system
- Good data reading performance with both CDR/pressed media
- Very good DAE quality!!
- Supports HS-RW standard (even partial)
- Supports DAO-RAW
- Supports reading/writing of SubChannel Data (very fast!)
- Supports CD-Text (reading/writing)
- Supports Overburning (up to 99mins)
- Supports Ultra-DMA 33 connection interface
- Retail package includes Nero 5.5
- Low price (95$<=)

- Supports only 8X re-write speed!
- Higher seek times than competition
- Low HS-RW reading performance
- Low DAE ripping performance with both CDR/pressed media
- Low packet writing/reading performance
- Failed to backup SD2 protected CDs
- Low PSX ripping speed
- Bad CloneCD reading performance
- Failed to recognize 99min CDs
- Retail package doesn't include HS-RW media!!

Mitsumi's Cd-recording proposal at 16x writing speed has missed to include something important...The full 10x re-writing speed. Almost all other competitor drives include this feature. The drive's other features (16x CLV, ExacLink anti-coaster technology, build-in media quality detection system) make it an interesting case for users who wish to enter the recording area with a cheap and good performer. The drive didn't have problems with various CDR media while the area in which some users might be dissatisfied is the low reading performance with DAE/protected CDs and of course the fact that no working SD2 backups can be made. Last but not least, Mitsumi certainly could add a HS-RW media in the retail package. Why the possible user has to pay for it?

The drive can be found from 95$-110$ in the market (in 'bare' form), which makes it an attractive solution. LiteOn 16x is around 91$, Teac 516EB 115$ and PleXWriter PX-W1610A 162$.