WHAT'S HOT: The Universal Buslink CD-RW 48x12x48 took 2 minutes, 36 seconds to write 650MB to CD-R (tying the Pacific Digital Mach 48 for the fastest CD-R performance), and it took 1 minute, 8 seconds to write 100MB to CD-RW using packet writing (trailing the Pacific Digital drive's time by 2 seconds). It's a capable CD-ROM reader, ranking fourth fastest at the time we tested it. The drive took 3 minutes, 5 seconds to install Microsoft Office 2000 Small Business Edition (disk one)--barely 3 percent behind the leading drive--and it took 1 minute, 25 seconds to extract 320MB of music from an audio CD--tying it with five other units for second place, just 1 second behind the leading drive.

WHAT'S NOT: Tech support calls are not toll-free, and support is available for only 9.5 hours on weekdays. Documentation is sparse, and there's little supplemental information available via the vendor's Web site.

WHAT ELSE: Ahead Nero Burning ROM 5.5 and InCD 3.27 are included for CD mastering and packet writing tasks. Documentation is limited, but the slim pamphlet contains enough info to guide you through a simple installation and get you started using the software. Universal Buslink says this drive supports the Mount Rainier specification. The drive includes an IDE cable and a connector to hook up external audio sources to your sound card.

UPSHOT: This drive is right up there with the best drives we've tested when it comes to CD-R and CD-RW write performance, but limited documentation means those who need hand-holding should look elsewhere.

SUMMARY

Universal Buslink CD-RW 48x12x48 48X/12X/48X, IDE, internal, 2MB buffer, audio and IDE cables; Ahead Nero Burning ROM 5.5 and InCD 3.27. One-year warranty; 9.5-hour weekday toll-call support. $95 877/684-6462 www.buslink.com