Thursday, June 27, 2002

Introduction We didn't expect to receive another CD-RW to review so shortly after reviewing the AOpen CRW4048, but, as it so happens, Asus has sent us a sample of their CRW-4816A.

As its name implies, the CRW-4816A supports speeds of 48X/16X/48X for writing/rewriting/reading. More importantly, it also includes important technologies such as "Just Link" and "Just Speed", which Asus has dubbed "FlextraLink" and "FlextraSpeed" respectively. If you've read any of our CD-R reviews in the past, you should already be familiar with both of these features, and their benefits. Their inclusion as part of the CRW-4816A means that users will be able successfully burn CDs even if the data-feed stops temporarily, or if it halted prematurely; the CRW-4816A can simply pick-up at the exact same spot where it left off. This is a very handy feature, and has saved many CDs from an ignoble fate as mis-burned coasters.

With that said, it's worth noting that the CRW-4816A's data buffer is only 2MB in size. That small fact, however, doesn't seem to trip-up the drive at all, as it still manages to exhibit terrific performance.

The CRW-4816A also includes DOSS II technologies, which serve to reduce the amount of noise and vibration that is generated by the spindle motor.

So, if that sounds interesting enough to whet your curiosity, let's say we get down to the business of the analysis, shall we?

Next: Specifications.

Asus CRW-4816A