BenQ DVD-R/RW

The rest of the software bundle--which comes on multiple CD-ROMs--includes Sonic's MyDVD 3.0 for DVD video authoring and InterVideo WinDVD for video playback.

The drive's manual is lackluster, and contains information that's identical to that found in the multilingual operating instructions booklet.

Industry experts say that DVD-R discs, which have been around for several years, are more compatible with the existing installed base of DVD-ROM drives and DVD players than DVD+R discs are, so you're probably a bit more likely to be able to burn a video DVD that will work with a older DVD player. Another advantage of the format is the lower cost of media. At this time, DVD-RW and DVD-R media are priced by manufacturers similarly to DVD+RW and DVD+R media; however, -RW and -R media can typically be found well below the manufacturers' prices when purchased in bulk.

UPSHOT: In spite of its reasonable price, we suggest waiting for the second incarnation of this DVD-RW drive; the promised software upgrade will make this drive more competitive with other DVD-RW drives on the market.