In House Review - Plextor PX-740A 16x DVD±RW

[Ian]

Today, CDRLabs brings you an in depth look at Plextor's new 16x DVD±RW, the PX-740A. Designed with the cost conscious consumer user in mind, the PX-740A offers impressive performance without all of the bells and whistles found on the PX-716A. The drive is capable of 16x DVD±R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW and 6x DVD-R DL writing speeds and has a maximum DVD read speed of 16x. More importantly, it's one of the first drives to feature 8x DVD+R DL writing speeds.

In this review we'll take a look at some of the features found on the PX-740A and see how it compares to some of the 16x DVD±RW drives from the competition. Does the PX-740A have what it takes? Is it the best bang for your buck? You'll have to read the review to find out.

[url=http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=272]
Plextor PX-740A 16x DVD±RW[/url]

If you have any comments or questions about this review or the Plextor PX-740A, please post them in the forum by clicking the link below.

[Scour]

Hello!

Nice review, Ian. Good drive with good writing-quality

But I doubt that many people buy the 740, because it´s a Benq 1640 and much more expensive.

[Ian]

But I doubt that many people buy the 740, because it´s a Benq 1640 and much more expensive.

You hit the nail right on the head. Good drive, just too expensive.

[code65536]

But I doubt that many people buy the 740

Hehe. Ah, but don't underestimate the power of the brand name! People will still buy brand name Chlorox bleach over Wal-Mart's generic bleach (bleach is bleach is bleach is bleach; kinda hard to vary the chemical composition of sodium hydroxide )

[Scour]

Hehe. Ah, but don't underestimate the power of the brand name! People will still buy brand name Chlorox bleach over Wal-Mart's generic bleach (bleach is bleach is bleach is bleach; kinda hard to vary the chemical composition of sodium hydroxide )

That´s possible

It depends on the knowledge of the buyer and the persuasiveness of the seller

[oslik3]

From the Review:

Based loosely on the BenQ DW1640...

Just curious, what is meant by "loosely" ? Hardware is the same as Benq, but firmware is written by Plextor ?

[ala42]

From the Review:

Based loosely on the BenQ DW1640...

Just curious, what is meant by "loosely" ? Hardware is the same as Benq, but firmware is written by Plextor ?

The firmware is a typical Benq 1640 firmware having some features disabled.

[Ian]

Just curious, what is meant by "loosely" ? Hardware is the same as Benq, but firmware is written by Plextor ?

Like ala42 said, a few features have been disabled by Plextor to keep it from competing with the PX-716A.

[pchilson]

Without a doubt, Plextor produces some of the best DVD writers around.

That statement requires the qualifer..."when they rebadge another company's drive"...
Otherwise I think there is a "doubt".

[Scour]

Without a doubt, Plextor produces some of the best DVD writers around.

In the past I had a Plextor CD-Writer, it is a great drive, but I sell it to a friend. It´s over 5 years and burn 48x and 52x CD-R in superb-quality.

The newer Plextor-drives don´t seem so good, but they are still good, but expensive.

[eric93se]

I agree the statement "Based loosely on the BenQ DW1640" doesn't jive, since they are one in the same. I would omit the word 'loosely'.

[Ian]

I agree the statement "Based loosely on the BenQ DW1640" doesn't jive, since they are one in the same. I would omit the word 'loosely'.

I'd agree with you if they were like many other manufacturers and did nothing but toss in an OEM BenQ and maybe change the ID string. They did put in the effort to at least remove some of the drive's better features.