LG GSA-2166D USB 2.0 Super-Multi DVD±RW/RAM

Model: LG GSA-2166D USB 2.0 Super-Multi DVD±RW/RAM
Manufacturer: LG Electronics
Provided By: LG Electronics USA

LG Electronics is one of the biggest names in the consumer electronics industry. Since the introduction of their first radio in 1959, this Korean company has grown to become one of the world's top electronics manufacturers, offering everything from large home appliances to tiny mobile phones and MP3 players. As many of you are well aware, LG is also a major player in the optical storage industry. They've lead the way in this area, developing and manufacturing a wide range of products for the OEM and retail markets.

While dual format DVD writers have become the standard, LG has taken this concept to the next level with their series of "Super-Multi" drives. Offering support for both the DVD-Multi and DVD+ReWritable specifications, these drives have the ability to write to all major DVD formats, including DVD-RAM. With companies like NEC and Pioneer introducing their own "Super-Multi" drives, LG has upped the ante once again by incorporating HP's new LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling technology. Developed as a better alternative to markers and stick on labels, LightScribe lets users burn graphics and text onto the tops of specially coated discs.

This fall, LG introduced their first external LightScribe enabled "Super-Multi" drive, the GSA-2166D. Sporting the same specs as its internal counterpart, the GSA-4166B, the GSA-2166D is capable of 16x DVD±R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 8x DVD+R DL, 4x DVD-R DL and 5x DVD-RAM writing speeds and can read DVD's at speeds as high as 16x. Of course, LG's new "Super-Multi" drive can do more than read and write DVD's. Along with support for LightScribe, the GSA-2166D boasts features like 48x CD reading and writing speeds, 32x rewriting speeds, and a software bundle from Nero and CyberLink.

With features and specs like this, LG's new "Super-Multi" drive sounds like it has a lot of potential. To give you an idea of what to expect from the GSA-2166D we'll take a look at its features and then see how it stacks up against the 16x DVD±RW drives from companies like Sony, NEC and Plextor. Does LG's new drive have what it takes? Keep reading to find out.