Model: ASUS DRW-1612BL 16x DVD±RW/RAM
Manufacturer: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

ASUSTeK Computer is one of the world's leading computer component manufacturers. For nearly two decades, this Taiwanese company has lead the way, producing some of the industry's best motherboards and graphics cards. ASUS is no stranger to the optical storage industry either. Over the years, they've introduced a wide range of products for the portable and desktop markets. With their innovative technologies and impressive performance, these drives have been popular right from the start.

This past fall, ASUS unveiled their first LightScribe enabled DVD writer, the DRW-1612BL. Designed in-house by ASUS's own team of engineers, this new "Super-Multi" drive is capable of 16x DVD±R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 8x DVD±R DL and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds and has a maximum DVD read speed of 16x. Along with support for HP's LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling system, the DRW-1612BL also includes features like 48x CD reading and writing speeds, 32x rewriting speeds and support for ASUS's FlextraLink, FlextraSpeed and QuieTrack technologies.

We've had ASUS's new DVD writer in the 'Labs for a few weeks now and have had the time to put it through its paces. To give you an idea of what to expect from the DRW-1612BL, we'll take a look at some of its features and then see how it compares to some of the 16x DVD±RW drives from the competition. Does the DRW-1612BL have what it takes? Is it the best bang for your buck? Keep reading as we find out.


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