Plextor EXTERNAL PX-504UF 4X/2.4X/12X ( PX-504UF/SW )

Rating:
Summary: Nice Drive
Review: This burns very nicely and the bundle software includes programs for Mac and Windows. This includes Toast Lite 5 for Mac and for Windows this includes Easy cd creator dvd edition, Roxio Photosuite 5 SE, Power Dvd, Retrospect (30 Day Trial) and drivers for Windows 98 Usb. This is a plug and play device for both Mac and Windows. I used Sony DVD+R but this does include a free DVD+R and a Cd-R to get you started. I have traveled with this drive and used it on my Sony Vaio Laptop and still worked great no problems. Sometimes traveling can be hard on CD drives/players.If you want to customize your Dvd you may need to pick up Final Cut Express 2.0 and/or Dvd Pro for Mac or Magix Movies to CD & Dvd for Windows. The value is worth the money and this is a very sturdy drive with lots of programs.

Rating:
Summary: Plextor External PX-504UF 4X/2.4X/12X ( PX-504UF/SW )
Review: This proved to be an extremely difficult piece of hardware to use and I do not recommended it for the following reasons;

Firstly the firmware it came with had to be upgraded to make the burner functional, the software it came bundled with was largely useless for burning a DVD and thirdly the USB connections proved to be very temperamental in that the burner keeps switching back to a CD burner from a DVD burner and the system has to be rebooted.

In addition the system was very fussy with media and wouldn't use HP or Sony DVD +R's.

The technical support department at Plextor also proved to be less than helpful putting the blame squarely on the USB drivers and didn't even suggest how to work round the problem.