ASUS DRW-2014L1T DVD-RW 20X Drive

Introduction:

    This next item up for review is something of a "first" for us here at VH: the Asus DRW-2014L1T. ASUS introduced this drive as an internal DVD rewriter with LightScribe direct disc labeling technology. Along with providing 20x DVD±R writing and 8x DVD±R (DL) and 14x DVD-RAM reading capabilities, it also has data transfer rates that are 5 times that of the current DMA33 standards with the SATA interface.

    Several other technologies are included in this drive along with LightScribe. One is QuieTrack, which is made of Airflow Field Modification - changing the uneven airflow field inside the drive to a balanced pressure distribution, leading to a quiet, stable operation. Another technology is FlextraLink, which prevents buffer under-runs by marking the disc where writing stopped and resuming it at the same place whenever information flow begins again. FlextraSpeed is included as well, continuously monitoring the recording media and setting the optimal writing speeds. And let's not forget the Auto Vibration Reducing System, which is designed to minimize the vibration caused by the spindle motor and resonance between components, as well as the drive and PC cases.

    That's a lot of fancy technology for a DVD rewriter drive. So, is it worth it? Who would really benefit from a drive like this? Let's take a closer look to find the answers to these questions.

About the Company:

    As a major player of the IT industry, ASUS has established its corporate mission: Provide innovative IT solutions that empower people and businesses reaching their full potential.

    The philosophy of ASUS product development is to do the fundamentals well first before moving forward. Started with computer components such as motherboards, graphic cards, and optical storage devices, ASUS now has now over 16 product lines, including desktop barebone systems, servers, notebooks, handhelds, network devices, broadband communications, LCD monitors, TVs, wireless applications, and CPT (chassis, power supply and thermal) products.

Specifications:

A Closer Look:

Retail Front

Rear

Features Listed

Packing Protection

    The retail box for the Asus DRW-2014L1T is bright, shiny, and loaded with graphics and information. On the back end, a list of the features are listed, along with a brief description on how LightScribe works.

3/4 View

Front

SATA Connection

MUMBO JUMBO

    The Asus DRW-2014L1T comes packaged with a large user's manual and a copy of Nero7. Mounting screws and a white face panel are also included, but there are no cables or adapters for SATA use. The main feature to the Asus DRW-2014L1T is the LightScribe technology. For those who are not familiar with LIghtScribe: it's a feature that allows an image to be burned onto the label side of a special LightScribe disc. This is a nice option to using peel and stick labels or markers. All the other features and specs are listed here and coincide with other optical drives in its category.

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