Melissa J. PerensonPhotograph by: Rick RiznerLite-On 48x12x48 CD-RW LTR-48125WThe Lite-On 48x12x48 CD-RW is an excellent
performer across-the-board. The drive took just 2 minutes, 38 seconds to write
our 650MB folder of files to CD-R and 1 minute, 8 seconds to burn 100MB of
files to CD-RW using packet writing; both times are an insignificant 2 seconds
behind the times posted by the top scorers (Pacific Digital's Mach 48 and
Universal Buslink's CD-RW 48x12x48). The unit also scored well on our CD-ROM
read tests, coming in second overall to the Sony CRX195A1. And at an
introductory price of $90, it's a bargain for a 48X-rated drive.The drive's bundled documentation is weak--all
you get is a terse seven-step setup poster. And though Lite-On now provides
helpful drive and software manuals via its Web site, the setup poster doesn't
mention it. Tech support calls are not toll-free, and support hours are
relatively short at only 9 hours per weekday.Our drive came with Ahead Nero Burning ROM 5.5
for CD mastering tasks, and InCD 3.27 for packet writing. Lite-On says this
drive supports the
Mount Rainier
specification. As with most drives, this model includes an
audio cable to connect the sound card to other audio sources.One of the best all-around performers we've tested
to date, this Lite-On model is a great choice for experienced upgraders looking
for speed and low price.9048X/12X/48X, IDE, internal, 2MB buffer,
audio cable; Mt. Rainier support, Ahead Nero Burning ROM 5.5 and InCD 3.27.
One-year warranty; 9-hour weekday toll-call support.www.liteonit.com408/935-5353
