Saw a new display at Staples for Memorex CD Writers. One model would also re-write previously used CDs. As Russ pointed out in the digital photo thread the medium is cheap, a $2.00 CD will hold 650MB.

These drives were priced around $260 which is down a few hundred from the last time I checked. Unit on display were for internal mount so you need an expansion bay. Didn't check to see if it can replace your existing CD Reading drive to make that bay available.

Didn't check to see if they had Mac as well as Windows versions.

Any feedback on these?

Reply to post by Scott Cullen, on July 10, 1999 at 15:38:51:

So glad you asked. I have been learning to use my CD-R for the past 2 weeks, and here is what I find.

CD-R is Writable
CD-RW is Re-Writable

There is a difference, The CD-R will write once to a blank disk, and only once. With some software, you may be able to add more files on unsued space, but you can't erase or overwrite what is there.

CD-RW can write over previous files, allowing you to change what is there. Great for temporary storage, etc. However, this is only possible on ReWritable disks, that cost about $20 (more or less) The CD-RW drives can also create CD-R disks (the ones that are less than $2 now). Most regular CD drives can read the CD-R disks, but NOT the CD-RW disks. But at that price for disks, you don't want to send them out anyway. Not all drives will read the CD-R disks, either (right, John?) Part of that problem may be having the right software extensions (.dll files).

If you are looking at CD-R or CD-RW, check out the software that comes with the drive. Be sure to get a package that allows you to write multiple sessions. This is how you can keep adding to a file that is part full. You have to be aware that you will want to add later, or you will lock the disk from the beginning.

Reply to post by Russ Carlson, on July 10, 1999 at 15:38:51:

Will the CD-R or CD-RW drives read CD-ROMs, the distribution platters all the software and data come on? In other words can one of the writing devices replace the existing CD-ROM drive in your hardware configuration, say if your configuring a new system or don't have an empty bay.

Reply to post by Scott Cullen, on July 11, 1999 at 22:22:35:

Yes, they can all read the CD-ROM disks...
provided you have the right software combination to recognize the formats. This is mostly standard stuff, and should be included with the drivers you install with the new hardware.

The CD-R and CD-RW give a series of numbers for their processing speeds. The first is the 'write' speed, the second (if there are three) is usually the rewrite speed, and the last is the read only speed. For example, my CD-R is 4x-12x, meaning it can write at 4 times the base rate, and read disks at 12 times the base rate. Base rate has been defined by industry standard- I have no idea what the rate is.

This brings up another point- matching the blank disks you use to the hardware. Writable drives are getting faster, but not all disks can take the higher speeds. CD-R and CD-RW rely on chemical changes in a dye layer on the disks. Different dyes require more or less energy to be affected. A 'slow' dye must be 'burned' longer by the laser in the drive or it won't read properly. So if you get a drive that boasts 6x or 8x or more write speed, be sure you buy blanks that are certified to keep up with it.

Reply to post by Scott Cullen, on July 10, 1999 at 15:38:51:

Scott: Heres my 2 cents.I'm not a computer wiz but I have found
that do to the slower speed of the cd-rewriter I have,I am using
my older 36x cd rom.I can do this because I have
an extra bay.I did however have to put in a second
controller card for the second cd.If you don't have an extra
bay maybe you should consider am external drive.
They also have external USB cd writers now.About $290.00.I bought 50 blank
cd's for $36.00 plus shipping off the net last month.
Hope this helps a little.
Bill