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Sony Electronics today introduced two USB 2.0 CD-RW drives, adding to its impressive line-up of optical storage products. The new offerings include a high-speed 40X/12X/48X external drive, as well as an ultra-slim, portable CD-RW and DVD-ROM combo drive with a maximum write speed of 24X and a Memory Stick® media slot.

Sony's CRX1950U 40X drive is one of the fastest external drives on the market, enabling users to create a full CD-R disc in about three minutes. Complete with software for both PC and Mac® system users and Power-Burn™ conformed buffer under-run technology, the drive offers a quick and reliable solution for those looking to record digital audio, video and data onto CDs.

The sleek and lightweight design of Sony's new portable combo drive, the CRXP-90MU, is ideal for mobile computer users. With a 24X maximum write speed, a full suite of software for creating custom CDs and Sony's Power-Burn™ technology to prevent buffer under-run and writing errors, the drive is an ideal all-in-one solution for CD recording and DVD-ROM playback. In addition, the drive's Memory Stick® media slot allows consumers to seamlessly transfer digital content onto a CD-R/RW disc from dozens of different electronics devices, including digital cameras, handheld devices and personal computers.

"By introducing these two new USB 2.0 drives, Sony continues to offer its customers a broad range of options for CD-RW recording," said Robert DeMoulin, marketing manager of the branded storage product management group for Sony Electronics' Information Technology product department. "For users who demand exceptional performance and the convenience of plug-and-play connectivity, Sony's new USB 2.0 drives are the perfect solution for CD recording."

Availability, Pricing and Warranty

The Sony USB 2.0 40X CD-RW drive (CRX190U) is available now and the USB 2.0 24X portable combo drive (CRXP-M90U) will be available in July with estimated U.S. retail prices of $179 and $299, respectively.

Key Specifications

Sony CD-RW USB 2.0 External Drive CRX1950U
- USB 2.0 External Interface
- USB 1.1 compatible with sustained read speed of up to 6X and write speed up to 4X
- 40X P-CAV recording (CD-R), 12X recording (CD-RW), 48X (max.) reading
- Software bundle includes the following:

B's Recorder Gold, lets users create back-up copies of CDs as well as customized video, music and data CDs from various file formats

B's Clip, allows users to drag and drop files and folders to a CD-RW disc as easily as to a floppy disk or hard drive
- Drive dimensions: 6.5 x 2.1 x 9.7 inches (W x H x L)
- Platform support: Windows® 98SE/2000/Millenium Edition and Windows XP operating system OR Mac OS® 9.0.4, 9.1, 9.2.1
- Maximum data transfer rate: 480Mbit/s
- Random access time: 100 ms (ave.)
- Buffer memory: 2MB
- Recording method: disc at once, track at once, session at once, fixed and variable packet writing
- Compatible disc format: CD-DA, Video CD, Photo CD (multisession), CD TEXT, CD Extra and others
- Availability - June 2002
- ESP - $179

Sony Portable CD-RW and DVD-ROM Combo Drive with USB 2.0 Interface CRXP-90MU

- USB 2.0 External Interface
- USB 1.1 compatible with sustained read speed of up to 6X and write speed up to 4X
- 24X Z-CLV recording (CD-R), 10X recording (CD-RW), 24X (max.) reading (CD-ROM), 8X (max) reading (DVD-ROM)
- Software bundle includes the following:

B's Recorder Gold, lets users create back-up copies of CDs as well as customized video, music and data CDs from various file formats
B's Clip, allows users to drag and drop files and folders to a CD-RW disc as easily as to a floppy disk or hard drive
Retrospect® Express, full-featured back-up software that provides users with instant back-up and disaster recovery capabilities
ArcSoft PhotoBase™, allows users to create image, video and audio albums for easy management; share files in the form of slide shows, Web presentations or video postcards; and to store multimedia files on CDs
ArcSoft PhotoStudio® 2000, lets users edit digital images with a wide selection of special effects and enhancements
ArcSoft VideoImpression™, offers a quick and easy way to create and edit videos and image files, as well as make desktop video productions for home, office or the Internet
MUSICMATCH® Jukebox, offers users a complete personal system to play, record, organize and discover new music through MUSICMATCH Radio

- Drive dimensions: 5.1 x 0.7 x 5.3 inches (W x H x L)
- Platform support: Windows® 98SE/2000/Millenium Edition and Windows XP operating system OR Mac OS® 9.0.4, 9.1, 9.2.1
- Maximum data transfer rate: 480Mbit/s
- Random access time: 160 ms (ave.)
- Buffer memory: 8MB
- Recording method: disc at once, track at once, session at once, fixed and variable packet writing
- Compatible disc format: CD-DA, Video CD, Photo CD (multisession), CD TEXT, CD Extra and others
- Availability - July 2002
- ESP - $299