The CRW-70 "Spyder" Slimline CD-RW recorder is the industry's first 12X high-speed, slim profile, compact CD-RW recorder featuring the new USB 2.0 interface. The CRW-70 is designed with a sleek, high-tech look that is barely 7 in. long and 5.5 in. wide with a profile (height) of about 1 inch. It can record a CD-R disc at 12X, rewrite a CD-RW disc at 8X, read any CD at up to 24X and rip audio CDs at a maximum speed of 24X. The CRW-70 also features Yamaha's exclusive SafeBurn and PurePhase Laser System. The CRW-70 has a top-opening design. Another exclusive feature that Yamaha has built into the Spyder is an MP3 Playback mode, designed for today's extensive MP3-driven music uses. The CRW-70 can also be used as a stand-alone CD player. Yamaha's Spyder connects to desktop and notebook computers via the new USB 2.0 interface. Yamaha's CRW-70 Spyder will ship in early October 2001 with an aggressive estimated street price of $299.99.