Speed..... At a Price (HP Surestore CD-Writer Plus 9150i)

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Product:	HP Surestore CD-Writer Plus 9150i
Date:	20/05/03 (11 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fast

Disadvantages: No Free stuff

I recently picked one of these CD Writers up for my home computer. After using a friend`s Writer for some time, I decided to purchase my own.
They are a really great idea.
I use mine to make compilations of my music from my MP3`s.
You can also use them to copy your original software to make back ups, NOT for illegally pirating games you understand.
When choosing one for use at home, I decided to opt for a brand name writer because I have heard bad things about cheaper writers. Hewlett Packard were recommended to my by both the shop staff and friends as well as hearing about them before.
My Writer reads data from the CD at 32 times speed. This Is quite quick compared to the already existing 16 Speed existing drive I have. There are quicker drives around but I dont think it matters too much.
Writing speed is only 8 speed. This is quite slow compared to others on the market but my main drive is only 16 speed anyway so copying is restricted by that anyway.
It cant copy quicker than 16 speed if the other drive cant read quicker than 16.
Also, I have an older computer with Windows 98. It is a Pentium 2 and its a 233. It does not have the performance of a modern computer so the extra speed would be wasted.
This is more than adequate for older computers who dont need the latest technology as a necessity.
Installation is straightforward.
It needs a USB socket to plug into. The software for installation has a step by step walkthrough.
Hewlet Packard comes with its own CD writing product rather than using an after market add on such as Easy CD or Nero. It uses Create CD.
It allows 3 options.
MyCD creates Music CD`s and Data CD`s for use on other computers as well sa your own.

Direct CD makes CD`s for use on your computer alone.

HP Simple Backup makes a copy of your PC.

Being an internal Drive, you do need to make sure you have a space in your computer for it or simply replace your existing dri
ve with it.
Remember, if you want to copy your CD`s, you need to use both of them.

At £120, I think its a good buy but it does not come with any extras such as labels or free CD`s.
There are cheaper ones on the market but I would not risk it.

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