Specifications
Specifications according to AOpen:
- Maximum write speeds of 12X
- Maximum rewrite speeds of 10X
- Packet-writing speeds of 10X
- CD read speeds of 32X max
- Digital audio extraction speeds of 32X max
- 2048 KB buffer
- 120 ms or less average random access time
- ATAPI/DMA-2 interface
- JustLink buffer underrun prevention technology
For more information,
click here to see AOpen's online product page.
The retail box contents:
- The drive
- Nero 5.0 Burning Software
- Gamut2000 MP3 Encoder/Player
- One blank AOpen 74-minute CD-R disc
- One blank AOpen 74-minute CD-RW disc
- Four mounting screws
- One IDE cable
- One analog audio cable
- One user manual
It should be noted that the version of Nero supplied with this drive appears to be keyed specifically to this drive model. It will not work with other brands of burners. On a positive note,
Ahead provides a free downloadable upgrade to Nero version 5.5.
Another similarity between this drive and some previous Ricoh burners is the flap over the drive tray. Whereas most optical drives have an integrated tray and cover, the AOpen's tray cover flaps down when the tray ejects. Prominently printed on the left side of the tray face is "JustLink"; on the right, the drive's read and write speeds are printed. A single amber LED lights when the drive is reading or writing. The back of the unit houses a digital audio output in addition to an analog out and other standard optical drive connectors.
The drive arrived with firmware revision 1.01. There are no other revisions available from AOpen's site.
Like the Ricoh MP9120A reviewed in November of 2000, the CRW1232A is unusually noisy for a 32X reader. In transfer rate tests, the hum is a bit louder than most 32X drives, though still quiet compared to most of today's faster-rated drives. Seeks, on the other hand, are among the noisiest we've heard, reminiscent of chalk on blackboard (normal chalk-on-blackboard sounds, not the high-pitched screeching).
AOpen's CRW1232A retail box runs about $115 online. In comparison, Plextor's 12/10/32A goes for about $155 while Teac's CD-W512E sells for about $130.
CD-ROM Performance Results...
