NEC ND-3520 DVD writer

The advent of dual-layer recordable DVD boils down to two things for home users: twice the storage space of normal blank DVDs (up to 8.5Gb-worth); and yet more confusing new disc formats to contend with.

That's why the current trend is for manufacturers to produce drives like the NEC ND-3520, which attempts to cover all bases with compatibility for just about every format going.

Apart from the widely shunned DVD-RAM format, the ND-3520 can read and burn anything you sling at it including CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW and those brand-new blank dual-layer DVDs.

In our tests the drive copied a disc full of data to a dual-layer DVD+R at 4x speed in just under 27 minutes. The drive also claims to be able to burn to dual-layer DVD-R discs at similar speeds. When the DVD Forum decides on a standard for the DVD-R format, NEC will allow users to upgrade their drives' compatibility via a downloaded update.

Available in black, beige or silver, the internal drive is surprisingly easy to install. But its most attractive feature has to be the price. At just over £40, this is a very attractive upgrade indeed.

Contact:
NEC 020 8752 3665
www.nec.co.uk