Velo CD experiences on the Macintosh and PC
Written: Mar 21 '01
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: 12x burning (with burn-proof), Mac and PC compatible, good PC burning software
Cons: No Mac burning software included, slower than 12x burning on PC
The Bottom Line: Nice fast drive, with consistent 12x burns. Don't forget to factor in extra expense for Mac burning software.
|
|
|
| pyleman's Full Review: TDK veloCD ReWriter 12/10/32 |
I purchased a TDK VeloCD for use with a Macintosh G4 tower ("Sawtooth" model). I chose the VeloCD because it was an affordably priced (with a $50 rebate at the time of purchase) 12x "burn proof" burner. The mechanism used in this drive is almost certainly a Plextor (and there are even unsupported hacks available to rename the drive to a Plextor). The drive came with an IDE cable, and a CDRW disc. I purchased the drive bundled with a 50 pack of 12x TDK CDR media, as well.
While waiting for the arrival of an external firewire case for the drive, I installed it in a homebuilt Petium III 500 PC running Windows98SE to test its features there.
The documentation which came with the drive was quite good, with both a well-illustrated installation guide and a short installation video. As I am familiar with installing hardware, I did not watch the video. Those less experienced with hardware installation may find the video a helpful addition.
When installed in the PC, I updated the drive's firmware to version 1.05 before attempting to do any burning. Using the included Nero software, I found copying audio CDs to be very easy and intuitive on the PC. However, I was not achieving 12x burns -- average time was usually between 10 and 12 minutes per disc (6x burn speed.)
I did not swap out the internal DVD drive in my G4 to install the VeloCD internally. Instead, I installed the VeloCD into an ADS Pyro external firewire case when I moved the drive to the G4. I installed Roxio Toast Deluxe 4.1.2 software (not included with the drive, approximately $80 street price) for burning. Apple's free iTunes software does not currently support burning to the VeloCD, even though it does support the Plextor 12x drives. I'm hoping the VeloCD will eventually be supported by iTunes.
Using Toast, this drive performed very well, consistently achieving true 12x speed burns. I have not burned a coaster yet on the Mac. I did burn a couple on the PC, but I am less familiar with Nero software than with Toast.
I'm pleased with the VeloCD's performance. I would give this drive a 5 star (excellent) rating if it came bundled with Mac software. I did find it to be true "plug and play" both on the Mac and the PC. It will be a more attractive drive once it is supported by iTunes, so purchasing additional Mac software isn't required.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
pyleman
|
|
Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.