Yamaha CRW2200EZ 20x/10x/40x EIDE

CNET editors' rating: 4.5 stars Outstanding
Detailed editors' rating
Overall score: 9.0 (4.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 121 reviews
• See all user reviews

Product summary

CNET Editors' ChoiceSep 01

CNET editors' review

• Reviewed by: Jack Lyon
• Reviewed on: 09/09/2001
• Updated on: 03/18/2003

To make the most of a CD-R/RW setup, you need more than the drive. You also need a ton of software--audio-editing applications, file-management systems, CD-label and jacket-design programs--that can cost a bundle if it doesn't come with your drive. The Yamaha CRW2200EZ puts your entire CD-R/RW wish list into one box, along with a tiny $229 price tag--not to mention the fastest rewritable performance we've seen to date.To make the most of a CD-R/RW setup, you need more than the drive. You also need a ton of software--audio-editing applications, file-management systems, CD-label and jacket-design programs--that can cost a bundle if it doesn't come with your drive. The Yamaha CRW2200EZ puts your entire CD-R/RW wish list into one box, along with a tiny $229 price tag--not to mention the fastest rewritable performance we've seen to date.

Big bundle; medium price
There are a few cheaper CD-R/RW drives that offer competitive performance, including the QPS Que 24X/10X/40X, a $179 drive with blistering performance. But you'd be hard-pressed to find a drive this fast that offers so many extras for the price. Until November 11, 2001, a $30 mail-in rebate is also available, which brings the price of the Yamaha CRW2200EZ down to a very svelte $199.

The list of bundled software reads like a multimedia fan's dream, starting with the powerful Ahead Nero 5.5 for CD mastering. While it's not as easy to use as the oft-bundled Roxio Easy CD Creator, Ahead Nero 5.5's extensive list of features allows you to edit audio, run performance benchmarks, and filter sound for karaoke. The software also features disk imaging, drive-letter rewriting (also known as packet-writing), and support for all the expected CD formats.

But the bundle includes a lot more than just burning software. PhotoDeluxe 4.0 and Adobe Photoshop LE 5.0 are included for sophisticated photo finessing. Neato MediaFace 2.1 and a pack of CD and jewel-case labels provide all the tools for creating professional-looking CDs and jackets. And MusicMatch Jukebox 6.0 takes care of all the MP3-ripping responsibilities. All the necessary cables and screws also come with the drive.

The only potential problem: There may be too much of a good thing. Taken all together, the software package is a little confusing. For example, it's possible to design CD jackets using four different applications, and there are also two different programs for ripping MP3s. For beginners, the choices could become overwhelming. Continue reading

User reviews

• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 121 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars Write review

• Showing 3 of 121 user reviewsSee all 121 user reviews

• 2.0 stars

  "UNRELIABLE!"

  on November 10, 2003

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• 0.5 stars

  "I have two of them both came with Nero JUNK!"

  on October 17, 2003

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• 4.5 stars

  "Great, No Problems (dont listen to the down-ers)"

  on October 6, 2003

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• See all 121 user reviews Write review

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