LG Electronics GSA-4040B Super Multi DVD Writer (LG Electronics-GSA4040BI)

• Reviewed by: John_Penfold

  Strengths: Multi format readerQuietReasonably fast in all formats R/W

  Weaknesses: None as yet

  Overall: An excellent bit of kit that does exactly what is says it will do on the box. And it does it well! This drive compares very well with it's more expensive peers. My confidence in LG kit is again fully justified.

• Reviewed by: taraxacumoff

  Strengths: can write any format available right now

  Weaknesses: cannot write to DVD-RAM IN CARTRIDGE,quite selective about media,does not always write at highest speed (4x)

  Overall: Good sturdy writer, that can do any format available right now and has decent CD-writing speeds. It came with a totally unknown software (BHgold), that has handled perfectly every DVD I have tried so far. The biggest problem I had at the beginning is that the computer would lock up every time I wanted to write a CD or DVD. I had to flash the firmware to A300 and it started to work as intended, so if you are scared of doing that, don't get it. In fact the first thing potential buyers should do is connect the DVD-ROM as a master by ITSELF on one of the IDE channels and flash the firmware to A300 - available at lgelectronics website, althogh not very easy to find. After that the writer has worked pretty well for me. I have only tried one type of media with it so far - Fuji, DVD-R, 4x. Some times it writes at 4x, sometimes at 2x, which tells me that even with the new firmware it can be a picky drive on media - beware of buying cheap such, or read newsgroups carefully to find info. Other than that I think it is a prett decent piece of hardware, especially for the price. ake sure you buy retail version - for the sfotware, it does not work very well with Nero 6 and older versions of Nero won't even recognize it.

• Reviewed by: s_grubbs

  Strengths: Burns a good DVD on media it works on.

  Weaknesses: Does not burn DVD+R. It is advertised to but it is clear talking to their technical support there is a problem in this area. Two firmware updates addressing this issue.

  Overall: I bought this because of its abilities to burn all kinds formats. It is clear that the stars have to be in alignment to get this drive to burn a DVD+R. DVD+RW and DVD-R work fine.

• Reviewed by: pudintain

  Strengths: Fast, great quality, and very quiet

  Weaknesses: None

  Overall: Very pleased.Extremely versatile, makes high quality DVDs, simple to install and works well with my windows XP. A great DVD burner especially for the price.

• Reviewed by: tonalsickness

  Strengths: Multiple formats is great. Works well in external enclosure for Mac and PC... Worked with all DVD-r brands I've tried so far.

  Weaknesses: No so far... had trouble burning a data cd but found out it was a problem with the data because it wouldnt burn with any burner.

  Overall: Great device best DVD burner availible especially at the price... It's awesome... the software provided is Nero which is ok on my laptop, better then easy CD... but I choose to use Toast Titanium 6 on my Mac.