AOpen CRW2040 CD-RW

Review Pages

1. CDR Tests
2. RW Writing Tests
3. Conclusion
4. Introduction
5. Data Tests
6. RW reading tests
7. DAE Tests

AOpen CRW2040 IDE CDR-W - Page 7

Conclusion

Positive (+):

Negative (-):

- Supports 20x writing (Z-CLV) speed
- "JustLink" anti-coaster technology
- "JustSpeed" media quality detection system
- Very Good data reading performance
- Very Good Seek times
- Very good DAE quality even with scratched CDs!
- Best packet reading performance ever measured!
- Supports HS-RW standard (10x re-write)
- Supports DAO-RAW
- Very Good CloneCD reading performance
- Supports reading/writing of SubChannel Data
- Supports CD-Text (reading/writing)
- Supports Overburning (up to 99mins)
- Supports Ultra-DMA 33 connection interface
- Retail package includes Nero 5.5
- Looowww price (91$<=)

- Much higher C1 error rates than Ricoh's MP7200A
- Low PSX reading time
- Lower DAE speed than competition with our pressed test disc
- Some recognition problems with our pressed test disc
- Failed to backup SD2 protected CDs

AOpen's 20x writing proposal seems very interesting, since it includes all the latest technologies that will not only avoid buffer underruns but also ensure optimum writing quality. Are these claims proven right in real life tests? Yes and no. The drive's general performance was very good, but in many tests it came second behind Ricoh's MP7200A model. The biggest problem of the drive is the much higher C1 error rate during recording. Even if the readings stay within the Orange Book specification limits, they are way higher from what Ricoh MP7200A can give.

Of course, the AOpen CRW2040 has a much better DAE quality with scratched CDs and low CloneCD reading times that will make users happy. Lastly, it doesn't backup SD2 protected CDs as you might have been wondering.

Let's see if the drive can compete its rivals in the area that is supposed to: "Price". A quick scan over Pricewatch shows that AOpen 20x lowest price is $91, Ricoh MP7200A $95 and Acer CRW2010A $90. As it seems, all three recorders are in the same price tag category, so the choice is even harder. You just have to think carefully about your needs of use and decide :-)