I-O DATA Japan has announced a new 18x "Super-Multi" drive with a Serial ATA interface. Based on the Samsung TS-H653A (SH-S183L), the DVR-ST18G features 18x DVD±R, 8x DVD±R DL and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds. Here are some of the specs:



Writing Speeds:
DVD±R: 18x
DVD±R DL: 8x
DVD+RW: 8x
DVD-RW: 6x
DVD-RAM: 12x
CD-R: 48x
CD-RW: 32x

Read Speeds:
DVD-ROM (Single): 16x Max
DVD-ROM (Dual): 8x Max
DVD±R: 12x Max
DVD±RW: 8x Max
DVD±R DL: 8x Max
DVD-RAM: 12X Max
CD-ROM: 48x Max
CD-R/RW: 40x Max


The DVR-ST18G should hit store shelves in mid December for 9300 Yen ($80US). More information can be found here.