WHAT'S HOT: A strong performer, the 16/10/40 VeloCD ReWriter is the fastest 16X drive on our chart. (This drive replaces TDK's older version of this model, which uses a different drive mechanism.) In our test using the new drive mechanism (part number AICDRW161040BX), it wrote our 650MB test folder on the fly in 5 minutes, 31 seconds, and took 5 minutes, 18 seconds to write our 650MB image file. That speed is due, in part, to the drive's use of Ahead's Nero Burning ROM 5.0 CD-mastering software, which takes a less conservative approach to caching files than the more popular Adaptec Easy CD Creator does.

TDK's documentation is among the best we've seen; neophytes wary of opening their PCs to install a drive will appreciate the included VHS video, which shows the installation process. The VeloCD uses FailSafe technology to help prevent buffer underruns from ruining discs.

WHAT'S NOT: Oddly, this drive required us to install it as master, not slave, on our test system, necessitating some additional steps during setup (all of the other drives in our roundup were connected, or "slaved," to the system's existing CD-ROM drive). The drive installed fine when slaved to another TDK CD-RW drive. TDK could not explain why this happened (and we've also seen it occur with drives from other vendors); most users should not have any difficulties.

WHAT ELSE: The VeloCD carries an industry-standard one-year warranty and toll-free technical support for 11.5 hours on weekdays and 10 hours on Saturdays. TDK bundles its own Digital MixMaster MP3 software and a CD marker pen--a nice touch for quickly adding handwritten labels to your CDs.

UPSHOT: A good value, the TDK 16/10/40 VeloCD ReWriter comes with great documentation, a handy installation video, and useful music software; make this excellent performer a great buy for beginners.

SUMMARY

TDK 16/10/40 VeloCD ReWriter 16X/10X/40X, IDE, internal, 2MB buffer, buffer underrun compensation technology, Ahead Nero Burning ROM 5.0 and Ahead InCD 1.75; one-year warranty, toll-free support for 11.5 hours weekdays and 10 hours Saturdays. $155 800/835-8273 www.tdk.com/velocd-new