NEC ND-3540A

The ND-3540A is the latest drive in NEC’s internal DVD writer range. Unlike previous models, this one is able to write to dual-layer DVD-R discs as well as DVD+Rs.

With the dual-layer DVD+R write capability boosted to eight-speed, an 8.5GB disc takes just 19 minutes to fill.

Dual-layer DVD-R is slightly slower at six-speed and takes 21 minutes. The high-speed media to take advantage of these speeds is difficult to get at present, but this will soon change.

At £35, we are hard pushed to find reasons not to buy the NEC ND-3540A. It does not have Lightscribe capabilities but we doubt that will put off too many people.