With the recent introduction of recordable DVD
drives, it seems like recordable CD drives may soon
become a thing of the past. In hopes of
maximizing their impact on this slowly declining
market, Plextor has recently released their latest
edition to the very successful PlexWriter line of
products, the PlexWriter Premium 52/32/52.
Historically known for producing well-constructed
drives that deliver the goods, Plextor has garnered
a very reputable name in the Optical Drive market.
Sporting new technology and some very notable
specifications, this new CD-RW drive should be able
to produce some impressive results.
Visually, there is nothing spectacular separating
this drive from other drives that are currently on
the market. However, as the saying goes, "you
can't judge a book by its cover ". Or in this
situation, you certainly "can't judge a CD-RW by its
enclosure".
Specifications / Features Of The
PlexWriter Premium
What's Under The Hood...
3-in-1 drive:
52X CD-R, 32X CD-RW, 52X max CD-ROM
8MB buffer
Buffer
Under Run Proof
technology prevents buffer under run errors
that can cause wasted media or coasters
allows high capacity storage of up to 1 GB on
a 700 MB disc. With this advanced feature, you
can increase the maximum writing capacity up
to 40%*
checks and reports written disc quality
C1/C2, track and focus errors*
offers
password protection for your disc and other
valuable data*
enables users to vary tray load/unload speed,
spin up/down speed and write/read speeds*
provides
power users with unprecedented control over
the burn process*
(Plextor Optimized Writing
Error Reduction Control)
technology is a sophisticated write strategy
for superior quality and stable recording at
maximum speed
High quality
digital audio extraction
Windows
95/98/ME/2000/XP Mac compatible (software not
included)
Self-diagnostics validates correct operation
of drive to media
One-year full
warranty (parts, labor and replacement)
Unlimited
toll-free tech support
*enabled by
PlexTools Professional software only
(included)
Click images for full view
Included with the Plextor PlexWriter Premium
Pre-Retail Package, we found the following list of
accessories:
1
- PlexWriter
1
- Drive Manual
1
- Quick Reference Guide
1-
40-Pin ATAPI Cable
Emergency
Eject Tool
1 - 52x
Verbatim CD-R Media
4 - Mounting
Screws
Software Disc
Continuing in traditional Plextor manner, the drive
came with a first-rate bundle. The only entry that
we would like to see added into the final retail
package, is an audio cable to connect the drive to a
sound card. That aside, we were very pleased with
the quality of the rest of the package, especially
the User's Manual and Quick Reference Guide. The
manuals provide users with multiple solutions to
problems, varying configuration methods for
installation and adequate background detail on the
model and included software. After all, an easy
trouble free installation is always a bonus in the
consumers eye. Lastly, before we get to the
installation we wanted to note the black CD tray
used in most all recent Plextor Optical Drives.
According to Plextor, the use of a black tray aids
in burning quality. Supposedly, black plastic
absorbs reflected laser light better than white
trays, thus increasing reliability and reducing the
chance of possible errors caused by "jitter."
Since Plextor begun doing this with their 40X drive,
we've seen multiple manufactures switch over to
black trays.
Beyond that, the actual specs of the drive, noted
above, are fairly self explanatory. This drive
is rated to burn CDRs at 52X speeds, re-write them
at 32X speeds and read CD media at 52X speeds.
allows high capacity storage of up to 1 GB on
a 700 MB disc. With this advanced feature, you
can increase the maximum writing capacity up
to 40%* 
checks and reports written disc quality
C1/C2, track and focus errors* 
offers
password protection for your disc and other
valuable data* 
enables users to vary tray load/unload speed,
spin up/down speed and write/read speeds*
provides
power users with unprecedented control over
the burn process* 
(Plextor Optimized Writing
Error Reduction Control)
technology is a sophisticated write strategy
for superior quality and stable recording at
maximum speed 
