The Japanese company, Buffalo, has announced a new 18x "Super-Multi" drive with a Serial ATA interface. Based on the Pioneer DVR-212, the DVSM-X1218FBS features 18x DVD±R, 10x DVD±R DL and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds. Here are some of the specs:



Writing Speeds:
DVD±R: 18x
DVD±R DL: 10x
DVD+RW: 8x
DVD-RW: 6x
DVD-RAM: 12x
CD-R: 40x
CD-RW: 32x

Read Speeds:
DVD-ROM (Single): 16x Max
DVD-ROM (Dual): 12x Max
DVD±R: 12x Max
DVD±RW: 8x Max
DVD±R DL: 8x Max
DVD-RAM: 12X Max
CD-ROM/CD-R: 40x Max
CD-RW: 32x Max


The DVSM-X1218FBS should hit store shelves in the beginning of March for 8,500 Yen ($71US). More information can be found here.