Philips DVDR16LS

When used with special CDs, a Lightscribe writer such as this Philips device uses a laser to write text and monochrome images on the top of the disc after it's been created.

This drive can write to CDs and DVDs, including double-layer discs. The box contains the drive, software and screws but no cables so unless it's replacing an existing drive, you'll need to invest in a cable.

Installation requires opening the PC case but optical drives are relatively easy to fit. No drivers are needed and installing the supplied Nero 6.6 Lightscribe Edition is simple.

The DVDR16LS won't leave you waiting around. A CD took just over three minutes and a DVD took eight minutes 20 seconds.

Creating the Lightscribe image on the CD took 17 minutes. However, if you already have a DVD writer, Lightscribe is not really reason enough to invest in a new one.