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Top 5 External DVD Drives

Easy to set up and use, these are today's best external DVD drives. Ratings and rankings can change due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.

Edited by Melissa Perenson

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PCW Rating: 86.4PCW Rating: 86.4PCW Rating: 86.4

Last Rated: September 08, 2006

 BEST BUY!

1. Samsung SE-S164L

Drive Type: DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/-RAM, PC/Drive Interface: USB, DL DVD+R Write Speed: 8X, DL DVD-R Write Speed: 4X, DVD+RW Write Speed: 8X, DVD-RW Write Speed: 6X,

Bottom Line: Bargain-priced external drive has a pleasing aesthetic, can stand vertically, and supports LightScribe labeling.

Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $75 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 84.3PCW Rating: 84.3PCW Rating: 84.3

Last Rated: September 08, 2006

2. Lite-On SHM-165P6SX

Drive Type: DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/-RAM, PC/Drive Interface: USB, DL DVD+R Write Speed: 8X, DL DVD-R Write Speed: 4X, DVD+RW Write Speed: 8X, DVD-RW Write Speed: 6X,

Bottom Line: Inexpensive external model lacks the design finesse of competing models; supports writing to DVD-RAM, but only at up to 5X.

Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $89.99 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 80.6PCW Rating: 80.6PCW Rating: 80.6

Last Rated: September 08, 2006

3. LaCie d2 DVD±RW Double Layer with LightScribe

Drive Type: DVD±R DL/DVD±RW, PC/Drive Interface: FireWire and USB 2.0, DL DVD+R Write Speed: 8X, DL DVD-R Write Speed: 4X, DVD+RW Write Speed: 8X, DVD-RW Write Speed: 6X,

Bottom Line: Hefty, contoured external model sports USB and FireWire interfaces, offers LightScribe labeling, and has PC and Mac software.

Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $120 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 79.4PCW Rating: 79.4PCW Rating: 79.4

Last Rated: September 08, 2006

4. Plextor PX-750UF

Drive Type: DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/-RAM, PC/Drive Interface: FireWire and USB 2.0, DL DVD+R Write Speed: 8X, DL DVD-R Write Speed: 8X, DVD+RW Write Speed: 8X, DVD-RW Write Speed: 6X,

Bottom Line: Flexible external model has dual-interfaces; however, the bundled Roxio software only offers the basics.

Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $130 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 78.1PCW Rating: 78.1PCW Rating: 78.1

Last Rated: September 08, 2006

5. Hewlett-Packard DVD840e

Drive Type: DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/-RAM, PC/Drive Interface: USB, DL DVD+R Write Speed: 8X, DL DVD-R Write Speed: 4X, DVD+RW Write Speed: 8X, DVD-RW Write Speed: 6X,

Bottom Line: A middling performer, this external model has the latest LightScribe Direct Labeling, for improved lablel-etching speeds.

Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $150 Check Latest Prices
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