TEAC, a world-leading manufacturer of CD-ROM, CD-RW and DVD-ROM storage technology, announces the immediate availability of its new 40x12x48 USB 2.0 CD-RW drive, an external desktop PC peripheral with a USB 2.0 interface, which is 40 times faster than USB 1.1 performance.

Used for the writing and rewriting of data and audio files onto CD-Recordable and CD-Rewritable media, TEAC 40x12x48 USB 2.0 users can store and copy information with this external unit at the full 40x12x48 speeds.

The TEAC external 40x12x48 USB 2.0 connects to any PC desktop or laptop computer with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 interface, and also is fully compatible with standard USB 1.1 ports. For the maximum 40x12x48 performance, the drive is connected to a high-speed USB 2.0 adapter or to the PC's legacy USB connector for standard 4x4x6 performance. The TEAC 40x12x48 USB 2.0 kit includes a full-featured software suite enabling users to create data and audio CDs, enhance digital photos and organize, rip and burn MP3 music.

The new drive delivers a maximum digital extraction rate of 40X for a smooth, even flow of data and a 72ms average access time for faster database searches. Along with its large 8MB data buffer, the TEAC drive has technology in place to prevent buffer underrun errors insuring high-quality recordings with no failed discs. This disc-saving feature suspends the recording process until the buffer is refilled so users can record safely, even while multitasking.

"We're glad to combine the convenience of an external connection with the high-speed and reliability of TEAC drives," states Les Luzar, division manager, TEAC America's Data Storage Products Division. "TEAC is pleased to offer users 40X write performance coupled with an easy-to-install USB drive, allowing them to experience the actual 40x12x48 speeds in an external connection."

The TEAC 40x12x48 USB 2.0 supports EasyWrite functionality, based on Mount Rainier specifications, making formatting and drag-and-drop recording fast and easy. The 40x12x48USB 2.0 also includes TEAC's own innovations, such as Fine Focus Control and Intelligent Speed Control. Because the focal point of the laser used on any higher speed CD-RW drive moves slightly between the write and read modes, TEAC has equipped the 40x12x48 USB 2.0 with Fine Focus Control to minimize this gap automatically. This technology results in a more precise recording, and a higher-quality disc that provides an improved level of interchangeability when read. TEAC's Intelligent Speed Control checks the condition of the blank disc and then applies the optimum recording speed automatically, insuring the highest quality recordings.

TEAC's external 40x12x48 CD-RW kit includes everything needed for easy installation, including one blank TEAC CD-R and CD-RW disc, a USB 2.0/1.1 cable, and an AC adapter. In addition, the 40x12x48 comes bundled with Roxio's latest version, Easy CD Creator 5.2, allowing users to select from four specific applications: Music CD Project for creating custom audio CDs, Data CD Project for recording data discs, DirectCD for drag and drop recording and CD Copier for copying from one CD to another. TEAC also includes two additional software applications for creating custom CDs: Musicmatch Jukebox for ripping and burning MP3 music and PhotoImpression 3.0 for digital photo image editing.

The 40x12x48 USB 2.0 CD-RW is available as a complete kit for Windows XP, 98SE, Me, and Windows 2000 Professional at an MSRP of $229.99. As with all of TEAC's Data Storage Products, the 40x12x48 CD-RW (model #CDWF540) can be found at participating retailers throughout the country and is available to resellers and VARs through the company's network of authorized distributors. In addition, consumers can find TEAC data storage products, including the TEAC 40x12x48 USB 2.0 CD-RW drive, at www.shopteac.com.