Windows users get SecurDisc, a tool built into the bundled Nero Express app that allows you to password-protect and digitally sign media. You can even add your own DRM, but only to PDFs.
All your burning needs covered... unless you're a Mac or Linux user
We tried the password protection facility, and it kept Windows PC owners, Mac and Linux users away from our files, which are decrypted as they're copied from the disc to a Windows machine on which a suitable SecurDisc reader has been installed.
The version of the GP08 we looked at, the GP08NU10, doesn't support LightScribe labelling, though a second version, the GP08LU10, does. Both models support all the CD and DVD formats, including dual-layer media and DVD-RAM. The headline 8x speed applies to writing DVD±R and DVD+RW. Dual-layer recordable media rate 6x write performance, as does DVD-RW. DVD-Ram is 5x. CD media are written at 24x standard speed.
Claimed read speeds are 8x for DVD-Rom, video DVDs, single- and dual-layer DVD±R/RW. DVD-Ram and CDs are, again, 5x and 24x, respectively.
Encrypt your data DVDs
Click for full-size image
LG doesn't bundle any discs with the GP08, so we had no 'recommended' media to try. We used a variety of discs, from a range of suppliers, including big brands and no-namers. The read and write speeds for small data sets, across-the-disc writes and layer-spanning burns weren't bad, though consistently just below the claimed, 'write the data to the right part of the disc' peak speeds.
DVD+ discs worked generally better than DVD- media, but that's exactly what we'd expect.
Finally, while the drive worked perfectly when connected directly to a MacBook Air, we ran into trouble - dodgy burns, basically - when we connected it through a cheap, bus-powered USB hub.
Verdict
We've seen the GP08 available for as little as £50. If you only spent £200 on your netbook, that's no great loss. The drive's no speed demon, but that's not its raison d'etre. No, this drive's about portability, and with its low weight, compact size and bus power source, it has that in spades.
More Storage Kit...
Pioneer DVR-116D |
WD Caviar Black |
Intel X-25M |
LG GGW-H20L |
LG GP08NU10 slimline portable DVD writer
COMMENTS
If ...
If you needed a DVC/CD reader/writer then what was the point of buying a netbook? Why not just get one of them thar new-fangled laptop thingies and get the DVD built-in 'for free' - and a decent screen resolution as well?
What goes around comes around
and I well remember the 'portable' CD-ROM drive I bought at great expense (and returned for a replacement as the first one was DOA) in the mid-'90s. It connected to my Powerbook 165 via SCSI and could allegedly be powered on about 12 AA batteries. The CD mechanism sort of detached so you could use it as a portable audio CD player. Either way it was shit.
@All Re. Air and USB
The drive operates from a single USB port - the second cable's there if you're still on USB 1.1, or your laptop's vendor has reduced the USB power output. This drive works just fine on an Air's single USB port.
Dumping
Very nice. Works with all my PCs including Linux and EEE.
So nice not to have to use an external power brick
By the way, you dont normally need more than one USB since power seems more than adequate from just one - so presumably would be ok with the Air
All your burning needs covered... unless you're a Mac or Linux user
Don't need any stinkin' included software with linux - just use k3b (which is standard) and works just fine!
