Cendyne 48X/12X/48X Enhanced-IDE (ATAPI) (Cendyne-CDICD00118)

WHAT'S HOT: A high-flying performer, the CenDyne Lightning IV turned in impressive burn and read times on our battery of tests. It required 2 minutes, 37 seconds to write 650MB of files to CD-R (1 second faster than the Lite-On 48x12x48 we tested at the same time), and 1 minute, 8 seconds to write 100MB to CD-RW (tying the Lite-On's time). On our CD-ROM read speed tests, the drive needed 3 minutes, 5 seconds to install Microsoft Office 2000 Small Business Edition (disc one)--barely 3 percent longer than the leading drive. And the Lightning IV's digital audio extraction test results put it in a five-way tie for second place among the drives we've seen (just 1 second behind the leading drive).

WHAT'S NOT: Tech support calls are not toll-free.

WHAT ELSE: The CenDyne Lightning IV's generic manual is well illustrated and offers useful assistance for the most part, but we noticed a few outdated references (for example, it refers to Burn-Proof as the drive's buffer underrun protection, even though this model uses Smart-Burn). The drive comes with Ahead Nero Burning ROM 5.5 and InCD 3.27--the most common software bundled with CD-RW drives. CenDyne's one-year parts and labor warranty is typical, but the company is one of the few CD-RW vendors to offer Saturday support hours. CenDyne says this drive supports the Mount Rainier specification. The package includes both an IDE cable and a cable for connecting other audio sources to your sound card.

UPSHOT: A quick drive that includes a useful troubleshooting section for CD-RW neophytes.

SUMMARY

CenDyne Lightning IV 48x12x48 CD-RW LTR-48125W 48X/12X/48x, IDE, internal, 2MB buffer, audio and IDE cables; Mt. Rainier support, Ahead Nero Burning ROM 5.5 and InCD 3.27. One-year warranty; 12-hour weekday and 4-hour Saturday toll-call support. $100 714/556-1020 www.cendyne.com