Britain's biggest technology magazine
SEARCH FOR: IN:
Guest  Level 00    Register Log in

Labs

DVD writers

Sony NEC Optiarc AD-7173S (OEM)   [Computer Shopper]
COMPANY: Sony PRICE: £25inc VAT  
RATING: ISSUE: 240  DATE: Dec 07
   

Sony NEC's AD-7173S is the only DVD writer in the group that uses the Labelflash laser labelling system. However, since no software is included you'll have to buy DVD-writing software that supports Labelflash, such as Ahead's Nero, or download the free utility from http://labelflash.jp/enjoy/softdl.html to use it.

The AD-7173S was particularly quick at burning rewritable DVDs, managing just over 5.5X for DVD-RW discs and just less than 7X for DVD+RW. It was also quick at writing DVD+R discs, managing just under 10X, and wrote DVD+R DL discs at a respectable 6X. It wasn't as fast when writing to DVD-R and -R DL discs, where it was one of the slower DVD writers in the group with 9.46X and 5.37X.

Sony NEC's AD-7173S is inexpensive, but has inconsistent write speeds and doesn't come with any bundled software. If you need a SATA drive, Sony NEC's AD-7191S is quicker overall and costs only £3 more.

SPECIFICATIONS:
18X DVD-R, 18X DVD+R, 6X DVD-RW, 8X DVD+RW, 8X DVD-R DL, 8X DVD+R DL, 12X DVD-RAM, 48X CD-R, 32X CD-RW
Related Reviews


Buy Sony Products at PC World
We stock a wide range of Sony TVs, Sony Vaio laptops, and PC accessories. Reserve online and Collect@Store today.
Sony Playstation 3 40GB Black Console £189.99
Brand new boxed UK specification + free delivery.
Sony Bravia KDL-40V4000
40 inch, Widescreen, LCD, HDTV-compatible, Stereo
Sony Bravia KDL-40W4000
40 inch, Widescreen, LCD, HDTV-compatible, Stereo
Sony Bravia KDL-32W4000
32 inch, Widescreen, LCD, HDTV-compatible, Stereo