Samsung SM304 DVD/CDRW Combo Review - PAGE 1
phil middleton - Wednesday, April 18th, 2001
Introduction
 | | Angled Profile of the SM304 Combo |
DVD/CD-RW drives are quickly becoming more prevalent; and for good reason, too. DVD is the new standard for removable data, and most new computers now come equipped with a DVD drive. However, a CD burner is still necessary for users who want to be able to distribute large data files and to support the huge installed base of CD-ROM drives. A combination DVD and CD-RW drive like the SM-304 would seem to fit these needs easily in a single, easy to use package.
Specs
Speed: 4X/4X/24X CD-RW Drive + 4X DVD-ROM
Data Transfer Rate Read CD: 3,600 KB/sec (24X)
Data Transfer Rate Read DVD: 5,400 KB/sec (4X)
Data Transfer Rate Write on CD Record: 600 KB/sec (4X)
Data Transfer Rate Rewrite: 600 KB/sec (4X)
Burst Transfer Rate : PIO Mode 4 (16.6 MB/sec), DMA Mode 2 (16.6 MB/sec),Ultra DMA(option)
Average Access Time DVD: 120 ms
Average Access Time CD: 110 ms
Supported Disc : DVD-ROM,DVD-Video, CD-ROM,CD-R,CD-RW, CD-DA,CD-ROM/XA, Video-CD,CD-I/FMV, Multisession Photo CD, Enhanced CD,CD-Extra
149 X 42.5 X 200 (mm)
One thing I noticed about this drive is that the back end is recessed, giving easier access to the drives connectors. If youve ever had a tiny, cramped box, you know often its difficult to plug in your cables by feel, but the recessed end on this drive gives enough tactile information to make this irritating task easy.
Box Contents
CD with Easy CD creator and Direct CD
CD with Power DVD
User Manual
Audio Connector
SM-304 Drive
 | | The SM304's Box Contents |
The SM-304 comes bundled with Easy CD Creator for its CD burning software. With Easy CD Creator, Easy is the keyword; installation is simple, and the whole program is based on big, obvious buttons that make the CD creation process simple enough for even an end user to understand it. One nifty thing about Easy CD Creator is that it comes with a Jewel Case insert maker utility, which is a great utility for an end user; people like to be able to burn their custom CDs and then replace the Jewel case liner with something a bit more personalized.
Samsung included PowerDVD with this unit as its DVD playing software. One cool thing about PowerDVD is that in addition to DVDs, it can also play other movie types like VCDs and MPGs.
The User manual included with this unit is a bit thin, but still sufficient and easy to understand. I am, however somewhat worried about why the manual tells us to copy a DLL by hand off the CD because it handles possible errors detected after checking the DIRECT CD properties in the Windows Explorer Uhh.. so they had enough time to make a fix, and print it in their manual, but they didnt have enough time to include it in their installation program? This doesnt make me feel too secure in the people whove coded the software Im about to install and use.
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