LightScribe technology allows you to burn labels onto the upper surface of compatible optical media. While the initial price differential for LightScribe media was rather prohibitive, it's come down a lot, making this innovation useful and affordable. Now LG Electronics has introduced an external DVD writer with LightScribe technology, letting you easily take this functionality from system to system. The GSA-2166D Super-Multi DVD writer cannot only use LightScribe labeling technology, but it can handle just about every DVD-recordable format out there.

This includes not only Dual Layer (DL) DVD+R and DVD-R formats, but DVD-RAM cartridges as well. In addition, this Super-Multi drive has great speeds all around. Its 5X DVD-RAM speed matches the fastest currently available (as of January 2006) on the market, as does its 16X DVD+/-R burn speeds. It can handle DVD+R DL at 8X and DVD-R DL at 4X. Rewrite speeds for DVD+RW and DVD-RW are 8X and 6X, respectively.

In fact, it's the fastest all-around external drive we've looked at to date. Since it's external, it's a snap to set up. This USB 2.0 drive was ready to go after we plugged in its power adapter, connected it to our PC's USB port, and installed the software.

Speaking of software, LG includes a nice bundle with this Super-Multi. In addition to Ahead Software's Nero and InCD for handling burns and backups, there's Ahead's own Nero Cover Designer with LightScribe support so you can keep all your burning tools in one suite.

This Super-Multi has a rugged appearance. The solid black color scheme makes it a handsome addition to any desktop. Even with the DVD-RAM support (which requires a wider slot), the drive weighs in at under 5 pounds.

LightScribe burning is a cool technology that allows silk screen-quality labels to be imprinted on your media, but it still takes some time. At the best quality, LightScribe burns can take up to 30 minutes or more, depending on the content being burned (text, photograph, etc.).

With all this functionality in a portable DVD-RW drive, you might expect the LG Electronics GSA-2166D Super-Multi drive to sport a hefty price tag. Not so. We were able to find it for around $120, which is an excellent price to pay for advanced portable burning capabilities.

Pros: Handles all formats at high speeds, great price.
Cons: LightScribe burns lengthy, no bundled blank media.

Warranty
1 year