With the PlexEraser PX-OE100E, Plextor has tackled another section of the optical storage market: data security. To keep your information out of the hands of criminals, the PX-OE100E uses a laser to completely destroy the data layer of a CD or DVD, making it unreadable and unrecoverable. And, because the laser doesn't physically damage the disc, you don't have to worry about the dye leaking out and polluting the environment. Other positive aspects of the PX-OE100E are that it's very easy to use, and as a stand alone unit, it does not require a PC.
On the other hand, the PX-OE100E isn't for everyone. If you have a lot of discs to destroy, a CD/DVD shredder may be a better option. In the 3 to 6 minutes it takes the unit to destroy a single disc, you could shred an entire stack. The PX-OE100E isn't exactly cheap either. With a suggested retail price of $250, i'ts more than twice the cost of a decent CD/DVD shredder. Of course, this might be a price some are willing to pay to protect the environment.
Highs:
- Permanently destroys the data layer of CD's and DVD's without physically damaging the disc.
- Environmentally friendly
- Supports CD-R/RW, DVD±R/RW and DVD±R DL media
- Stand alone unit does not require a PC
- Very easy to use
- Quiet operationRemains cool, even after extended use
Lows:
- Expensive
- Takes considerably longer than CD/DVD shredders
- Does not support DVD-RAM media
