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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: 83.0PCW Rating: 83.0PCW Rating: 83.0

Last Rated: October 01, 2006

 BEST BUY!

1. Samsung SE-S164L External Double Dual Layer DVDRW Writer (16x/8x/16x DVD+RW, 16x/6x/16x DVD-RW, 8x DVD+R DL, 4x DVD+R DL, 48x/32x/48x CD-RW)

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

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

Last Rated: September 08, 2006

2. Lite-On 16X External DVD Dual RW Double Layer SuperAllwrite/ Black

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

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PCW Rating: 79.0PCW Rating: 79.0PCW Rating: 79.0

Last Rated: October 01, 2006

3. LaCie d2 External Dual Layer DVD?RW Writer (16x/8x/16x DVD+RW, 16x/6x/16x DVD-RW, 8x DVD+R DL, 4x DVD-R DL, 48x/32x/48x CD-RW)

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

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PCW Rating: 78.0PCW Rating: 78.0PCW Rating: 78.0

Last Rated: October 01, 2006

4. Plextor PX-750UF External Dual Layer DVD?RW Writer - Black (16x/8x/16x DVD+RW, 16x/6x/16x DVD-RW, 8x DVD?R DL, 40x/24x/40x CD-RW)

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

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PCW Rating: 77.0PCW Rating: 77.0PCW Rating: 77.0

Last Rated: October 01, 2006

5. HP HP DVD840e Super Multi Dvd Writer

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

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