Pioneer DVR-R100

• Reviewed by: SDTechDeals

  Strengths: Good performance; reads DVD-RAM

  Weaknesses: Ulead software, not Nero; noisy; questionable build quality; slow CD reading/writing

  Overall: I've had this for about a month, after upgrading from the previous generation, the DVR-109. With no changes to my system other than the drive upgrade, I noticed that the ripping times for DVDs was MUCH faster! Upon reading up, it appears there was a "rip lock" built in (or implemented in firmware) to that drive, thus preventing fast rips. Bravo to Pioneer for taking out this "feature"! Burning time was about the same. The drive is noisy, particularly when burning! It also slows down the burn at the halfway point. Seems to work with all media reliably. I have now used it to rip/burn both CDs & DVDs, foregoing my old CD writer. I was a little disappointed with CD reading & writing speed, which is only 40x. Most competitors are 48x. If you are doing alot of stuff with CDs, keep this in mind.The included software bundle was Ulead, and some funky Novasoft backup software. In general, I am a Nero fan, so I have continued to use my existing version of Nero and didn't even install the software. As a result, you might be able to buy the OEM version of this drive cheaper if you don't care about the included software.Overall, I am pleased, and would recommend it. Only three stars due to it being noisy, of questionable build quality (I can see cheap rubber bands on the inside!) and its slow CD performance.

• Reviewed by: rfbechtold

  Strengths: Very fast for burning CD's

  Weaknesses: Slower when burning DVD's but not bad overall.

  Overall: I bought this to replace another leading brand. This burner is fast. It even got an Editors' Choice Award from PC Magazine. The price is affordable and you might find a rebate from some online companies.