Memorex 3202 3288 DVD Double-Layer Recorder 16x16 Dual Format External Drive

The "Superdrive" on my two-year-old desk-top iMac with 17" flat-panel simply died on me a month ago, in effect putting my audio-video life on hold. No time to pack and ship out the cumbersome machine for repair, so for less than the price of one of those little Apple power adapters with the folding prongs, I ordered this Memorex drive. It's a bit larger and heavier than I'd anticipated, but it's certainly sturdy and well-equipped: a two-part long-reaching power supply and cord, a USB as well as a Firewire cable depending on your preference (Apple doesn't even include one with a new computer), and a stand for vertical, space-saving use of the drive. I simply plugged it in, connected the Firewire cable, inserted a DVD, and that was all there was to it. For the first time in weeks, I saw a disc on my computer's desk top.Next test: I inserted a blank CD into the Memorex, selected 70 minutes worth of tunes from my iTunes library, clicked on "burn CD." This produced the following question: "Your preferred recording drive is not available. Would you like to use the external Memorex drive?" I clicked "yes," waited no more than 3-4 minutes, and a spanking new CD was born. I had planned to use the Memorex as a temporary device, until time and energy would allow me to have the iMac Superdrive repaired. Obviously, a bad idea. Stick with the Memorex for another year, by which time the iMac will be out of date and worthless.A lot of software comes with the drive, but with iTunes, Roxio Toast, Sound Studio, and other clutter already installed on my machine, I doubt it'll see any use. Still, if it's as efficient and user-friendly as the drive, it could be a huge bonus for some owners.[I'm surprised about the negatives concerning the above. This relatively inexpensive device was frankly a life-saver. I still haven't read the manual or installed a thing, and it continues to burn files in my iTunes folder and function with my iMac like it was made for that purpose. I haven't tried burning a DVD or an MP3 disc, so I can't make any claims about those functions as yet.]

The device is perfect using other software but the Nero Package kept demanding that I buy an upgrade evertime I clicked on a function!!!-- Memorex would do well to dump these idiots at NERO

My system is an up to date Dell Dimension that only had ROM DVD and CDRdrive so I saw this unit that appeared to fill my needs of for transfering some video shorts to DVD......I read the AMAZON PRODUCT DESCRIPTION that stated ..."comes with Nero Software THAT EASILY allows you TO BURN CDs and DVDS".You can only burn CD Videos that will run on your (and others) computer.Data DVDs up to 4.7 GB - which is handy HOWEVER: It was not clear that in order to transfer any of your video files to real (run of mill DVD player type) DVDs you must upgrade to Nero 7 or 8 which is available for and extra $60...Be careful if you want to make "real" DVDs go where you can see thatNero 7 Essentials is included.... or upgrade to Nero 8....cause I don't believe you can get 7 any longer.Inexpensive and VERY simple to get running....I did not need another DVD ROM or CD Burner at this time.I wish someone had illustrated this point... don't buy it unless you want it for Data DVD's (backups).

I just bought this drive - it came bundled with Nero v6.6 which DOES NOT work with Windows Vista. I contacted Memorex support about this problem and they told me to get the latest update from Nero. Unfortunately, there are no updates to Nero 6 that make it compatible with Vista - you have to upgrade to Nero 7, which costs more than I paid for the drive. Memorex ignored my follow-up request for a free solution to the problem they caused. I will be returning this drive and getting a Sony that comes with Nero 7. Current products should come with software that works on current operating systems.

Great piece of machinery. Worked super right out of the box. Software easy to work with for a computer challenged person like me.Eventhough the program did not jive with the supplied book and instructions. I would like to delete some functions like it says I can in the book but it is not possible. Overall it's a great product. Speedy delivery also

This is reasonably good CD/DVD drive so far, hookup is simple, my system recognized it right away, the device is compact and very quiet, not bad looking either. CD recording is slow, however, the recordings are good quality and worth the wait. DVD recording is impossible, unless you have some sort of decryption and then it's questionable, thanks to the Nero software which I just refuse to have anythig to do with anymore. I so far like the drive, my major complaint is the Nero software that came with it, I've had nothing but aggravation with it! Nero has an expiration based upon when you install it and then the DVD function becomes extinct unless, you subscribe. Nero can also interfere with other applications such as shrink and hard drive storage,whereas it refuses to store and refuses to play. If you have other programs like Media Player & I Tunes, Shrink or Power DVD you'll find you're using them to run this drive, Shame on Nero for looking sharp & being nothing. Don't let this deter you. This is a pretty nice drive for the price and if you have other applications it should work just fine. I admit I'm still a novice though I expected more from the total package.I ordered this from Amazon & Tiger Direct, delivery was very prompt and well packaged.

Honestly, i would like some more time to evaluate the product. I had some difficulties with the software and have now accessed the correct software for the Recorder. I will be soon making use of both and should be able to do a bettter evaluation at the end of this month.