Yamaha CRW2100E CD-RW

Review Pages

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

Yamaha CRW2100E IDE CDR-W - Page 8

Conclusion

Positive (+) :

Negative (-) :

- First 16x writer on the market
- 8MB of Buffer
- Very stable when using proper software
- Best DATA reading performance around
- Best DAE ripping performance around
- Very good CloneCD reading performance
- Supports DAO-RAW
- Build-in protection for low quality media (lowers auto writing speed)
- Supports (even partial) HS RW standard
- Supports CD-Text
- Supports Overburning (write up to 89mins)
- Good price

- Not true 10x re-write drive :(
- Failed to read 10x HS RW written media
- Bad packet writing performance
- You need fast PC for enjoy it!
- Noise when reading at max speed

The Yamaha CRW2100E is a very interesting drive from many aspects. It is the first drive that supports 16x writing speed and 40x reading speed. Those two features are the best weapons against the hard competition from other manufacturers. However there are some features, which don't help the drive to claim the title of the best recorder around. The lack of 10x writing speed and of any anti-coaster technology is what really you will miss from the drive. The long awaited DAO-RAW feature is added ,with v1.0h firmware, and will be useful for power users.

So we will come again in the position of the possible buyer and we will wonder ourselves why or not should buy the drive. You must read our review carefully and decide. As almost every drive we have tested is has some positive and negative points, which will determine your final decision. The Yamaha's CRW2100E, which supports 16x writing speed, is the fastest drive around until other manufactures ship their 16x solutions. When this should happen? It is unclear yet but we suspect after in the first quarter of 2001...