If you've got a CD-RW drive, you're pretty much set for data formats, right? Sony doesn't think so -- its latest CD-RW bundle comes with a memory stick reader.
The latest 24X/10X/40X CD-RW drive from Sony is an interesting bundle. On one hand, it offers the fastest packet-writing performance we've seen to date, along with a built-in Memory Stick reader and solid backup software. On the other, there's the humdrum CD-reading performance. The end result is an adequate drive with a very specific user in mind.
Something extra
Upon opening the AU$369 Sony drive's box, you might feel like something's missing. There are no blank discs and no Memory Stick included. Instead, you get just the drive, a cable, some screws, the software CD, and a couple of thin manuals. Installation is a lightning-fast task with the help of a simple quick-start guide. But it's only after you pop in the CD that you'll find the information you really need; all the software manuals and tech-support documents are electronic. The drive works with Windows 98, 2000, and Me, but so far, there's no support for XP.
Packed full
The CRX175M/C1 has a load of diverse software titles. The most unique program in the bundle is Dantz RetroSpect Express 5.5, which handles data backup and will even automate tasks via a scheduling utility. It's a handy software tool that you won't find in most CD-RW bundles. B's Recorder Gold 3.0 does a good job with CD-R tasks, including burning data, audio, and video CDs. B's Clip 2.2 makes quick work of CD-RWs, allowing drag-and-drop file copying and deleting.
Sony makes a disappointing move with its version of MusicMatch Jukebox. Sony has customized the app so that it lacks audio-extraction tools, which (according to the company) are purposefully excluded to help discourage the unlawful duplication of copyrighted music. Sony, of course, owns a major recording studio, so it's hardly suprising. B's Recorder Gold lets you extract and convert a limited number of audio files to MP3s before you have to upgrade; however, the software allows unlimited extraction to WAV files. From there you could always use a number of free applications to convert MP3s at your will
ArcSoft PhotoBase 2.5 and PhotoStudio 2000 come as a suite and tackle all your photo-editing and multimedia album needs. Finally, ArcSoft Video Impression (a low-end video-editing package) finishes up the bundle.
Burn and burn again
In our labs' tests, the CRX175M set a new land-speed record among drives that rewrite at 10X, taking a mere 5 minutes, 36 seconds to packet-write 400MB. That's more than 1 minute faster than other drives in its speed class. Its regular CD-R performance wasn't quite as exciting; the Sony averaged 3 minutes, 18 seconds to write 500MB to CD-R. And, surprisingly, its read performance was downright sluggish. At 3 minutes, 24 seconds to install Microsoft Office 2000 SBE, the Sony took more than 1.5 minutes longer than similar drives in its class. Its audio-extraction times were middling, and if it were in school, its poky read speeds would hold it back a year.
But what the drive lacks in performance, it makes up for in pure innovation. Right in front, the CRX175M sports a built-in Memory Stick that allows easy transfers of digital images and other data directly from the Memory Stick to either the CD-RW or the hard drive. The CRX175M also supports Sony's new PowerBurn recording-management system and a 2MB buffer to prevent buffer underrun.
Packet in
At AU$369, the CRX175M/C1 is a little pricey compared to other 24X writers. But its performance, archiving software, and slick Stick support make it a winner for anyone that has plenty of backup tasks or Stick-savvy devices.
Sony CRX-175M/C1
Company: Sony Australia
Price: AU$369
Distributor: Selected resellers
Phone: 1300 13 7669
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