3DsoundSurge Press Release: Plextor Introduces Ultra-Portable CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo Drive With USB 2.0

Plextor Introduces Ultra-Portable CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo Drive With USB 2.0

New PlexCombo Drive Delivers Convenience and Performance in a Stylish New Design

FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 22, 2002--Plextor® Corp., a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance CD-related equipment and software, today announced the immediate release of the PlexCombo(TM) 8/8/24-8U optical disk drive with Hi-Speed USB(TM) 2.0 interface. The new PlexCombo drive offers four different functions in one ultra-portable package: 8X CD-Recording, 8X CD-Rewriting, 24X-max CD-ROM playback, and 8X-max DVD-ROM playback.

The PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U is lightweight, compact -- almost pocketsize -- and housed in a highly stylish yet durable graphite-and-gold enclosure. The ultra-portable drive measures just 5.55-inches by .87-inches by 6.73-inches and weighs only 1.1 lbs. Mobile professionals and other users-on-the-go benefit from the ease-of-use and versatility of having CD-RW and DVD-ROM drives combined into a single portable device.

The drive connects via Universal Serial Bus (Hi-Speed USB 2.0 or USB 1.1) to any laptop or desktop computer (PC or Mac). The new PlexCombo is also Plug & Play compatible with Windows® 98SE/ME/2000/XP(TM) for easy setup. Users can typically begin recording custom CDs or watching DVD movies within minutes of opening the box.

"The new PlexCombo gives customers everything they want in an optical disk drive -- Hi-Speed USB 2.0 data transfer rates, unparalleled reliability, extreme portability, and design flair," said Howard Wing, vice president of sales and marketing for Plextor. "This second-generation product expands our family of ultra-portable drives, adding DVD capability for the mobile warrior."

PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U CD-RW/DVD-ROM Drive

The versatile 4-in-1 PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U drive reads, writes, and rewrites compact discs -- and reads DVD discs -- at a wide variety of speeds. The drive features a 2MB data buffer and Digital Audio Extraction rates to a maximum of 24X. Burst data transfer rates are 480 Mb/sec (USB 2.0) or 12 Mb/sec (USB 1.1). The drive supports a wide variety of CD writing modes, including Track-at-Once, Disc-at-Once, Session-at-Once, Multisession, and variable/fixed packet writing.

Buffer Under Run Proof Technology Ensures CD-Recording Quality

The PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U features the most advanced design and engineering for maximum reliability, including innovative Buffer Under Run Proof technology. Using a slow source drive or attempting to perform multiple tasks while recording a CD can lead to buffer underrun errors that render the disc unusable. Buffer Under Run Proof technology prevents buffer underrun errors, so end-users can multi-task by sending email or surfing the Web while recording a high-quality CD.

Plextor Software Bundle

In order to satisfy both novices and experienced users, Plextor offers software options that feature ease of use and extensive functionality. The PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U ships with Roxio's Easy CD Creator and DirectCD v 5.3 and Oak Technology's SimpliCD software, allowing users to choose between two award-winning software packages. Also included are Plextor Liquid Player+, a music player for streaming, downloading, and playing audio files, and a trial version of Stomp Click'N Design 3d, a CD labeling software.

Pricing and Availability

The ultra-portable PlexCombo 8/8/24-8U (CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive) with Hi-Speed USB 2.0 is scheduled for shipment to distributors and resellers immediately. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $279USD. All retail packages include unlimited toll-free technical support and one-year full warranty.

About Plextor

Plextor Corp. is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance CD-related equipment for professional use in business and networked environments. Since opening its headquarters in Silicon Valley in 1990, Plextor has introduced numerous generations of award-winning optical storage products, including CD-ROM, CD-Recordable, and CD-ReWritable drives.

Plextor is privately owned by Shinano Kenshi Co., Ltd., a developer and manufacturer of advanced technology hardware and precision electronic equipment headquartered in Japan. Shinano Kenshi is best known for its expertise in manufacturing motors.

Note to Editors: PlexCombo is a trademark of Plextor Corp. All other trademarks, trade names, registered trademarks, or registered trade names are the property of their respective holders.

Contact:

     Plextor Corp.
     Howard Wing, 510/440-2104
     hwing@plextor.com
      or
     Welch Communications
     Marianne Welch, 408/395-7363
     info@welchcommunications.com