Plextor announced the availability of an external PlexWriter(TM) Premium-U CD-R/RW drive with Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface.

The external PlexWriter Premium-U drive is designed for fast and easy attachment to personal computers. Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface and Plug & Play compatibility with Microsoft® Windows® 98SE/Me/2000/XP operating systems ensure that most users are recording discs within minutes of opening the Plextor box.

The unit features an 8MB data buffer and burst data transfer rates of 480 Mb/sec for USB 2.0 and 12 Mb/sec for USB 1.1. Average random access is less than 65 milliseconds. Superior 52X digital audio extraction (DAE) eliminates pops, clicks, and hisses for accurate sound quality. The Premium-U supports a wide variety of CD writing modes, including Mt. Rainier (CD-MRW), Track-at-Once, Disc-at-Once, Session-at-Once, Multisession, and variable/fixed packet writing.

Pricing and Availability
The Plextor PlexWriter Premium-U drive is scheduled for shipment to distributors and resellers in North and South America in late September 2003. The Premium-U drive has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $169.00 USD. All retail packages include unlimited toll-free technical support and one-year full warranty.