Kanguru's handsome QuickSilver external CD-RW drive is a fast and easy way to add burning capabilities to a new or older system. Since the QuickSilver connects via USB 2.0, you'll get high throughput with the latest PCs, yet it is still backward-compatible with older PCs that have only USB 1.1 ports. Of course, the speed may be limited by the slower bandwidth, but as long as you're running Windows 98SE or later, this drive will work well in your system.

The QuickSilver has an attractive case that is curved along one side. Installation is extremely easy. We simply plugged the QuickSilver into a power source and then connected its USB port to our system. Windows automatically recognized the drive, and we were ready to burn after installing the software. The QuickSilver is also Mac-compatible, so you can easily move it between PC and Apple systems. Since it weighs in at only 3 pounds, it's a light peripheral to transport.

The QuickSilver doesn't have the fastest CD-RW speeds available, but they're close. Burns are handled at 52X, so it only takes a couple of minutes to completely burn an audio or data CD. Its rewrite speed is 24X, not the 32X that some drives offer, but data backups are still handled at a decent clip.

There's a 2MB buffer and under-run protection built into the drive to prevent any errors while burning. Kanguru includes a decent manual that walks you through the steps of installing and using the QuickSilver.

No blank media is included with the drive, although the software bundle includes a handy label-making application that lets you design and print your own CD labels. There's a 1-year warranty on the drive in the event that something goes wrong.

We were able to find the QuickSilver for $80 direct from Kanguru, which is a decent price for an external CD-RW drive. If you're looking to add CD-writing capability to either an old or new system (or maybe move it between them), the Kanguru QuickSilver 52X external USB drive is an inexpensive and very portable way to plug in that feature.

Pros: Easy to install, nicely designed.
Cons: No blank media included, only 24X rewrite speed.

Warranty
1 year limited