LiteOn eSAU208 External Slim DVD Writer Review

An external USB powered 8x DVD writer designed with portability and style rolled into one.

Product on Review: Liteon eSAU 208 External Slim DVD-RW
Manufacturer and Sponsor: LiteOn
MSRP: £40

In just a few days this is our second external slim DVD-RW drive. As I mentioned in the previous article with the ASUS Extreme Slim DVD-RW, over the past year there has been a big push amongst manufacturers to provide consumers with smaller portable computing solutions. The netbook is a fine example of this, giving fantastic functionality whilst on the move in such a compact manner has meant certain aspects of the machine has had to be sacrificed. No longer is there an optical drive, instead USB is the primary means of transferring data.

Companies such as LiteOn have always been ambassadors for optical media. Being at the very forefront of CD, the DVD and now the BD media. Today we will be taking a look at an external slim DVD-RW drive named the LiteOn eSAU208.

LiteOn’s Take:

The eSAU208 is a fully featured, USB-powered, 8x slim DVD writer. It is a perfect solution for those users who are looking for a compact, stylish and portable DVD writer.

Mobility is an important aspect of the eSAU208. The drive can be powered through a USB connection instead of a traditional power adapter, so the mobile user does not longer needs to rely on a power socket to operate the DVD writer. The drive will consume its power directly from the notebook trough the USB cable.

Specifications

DVD Family
Write
DVD+R 8X
DVD-R 8X
DVD+R9 6X
DVD-R9 6X
DVD-RAM 5X
ReWrite
DVD+RW 8X
DVD-RW 6X
Read
8X
Access time
130ms

CD Family
Write
CD-R 24X

ReWrite
CD-RW 24X
Read
24X
Access time
110ms

Closer Look

The LiteOn eSAU208 comes packaged within a colourful box very typical of LiteOn retail packaged products. On the various sides there are details regarding the features, technologies (Lightscribe and Smart-burn) and the box’s contents. It isn’t a very exciting box, but it does its job by keeping the drive well packaged.

Within the box there is a good amount of accessories. We have the external drive, a stand to erect the drive vertically, a USB cable, an AC power cable (two alternatives for powering), instructions and a Nero 7 Essentials disc.

Observing the eSAU 208 closely, the drive is encased in a plastic casing. Today we are looking at the burgundy red variant but there are a selection of colours available – red, black, blue and white. So whatever colour your netbook/notebook is you have the option of a variety of colours to compliment your machine. To the one side there is an black tone that runs around the edge. The corners are all rounded, its good to see no sharp edges.

To look at and feel the eSAU 208’s surface, it is apparent it has matt properties. So it isn’t going to slip off anywhere, although the material and textures used does mean that dust and dirt is attracted to the exterior.

On the face of the eSAU 208 there is a typical DVD-RW drive cover. The logos Lightscribe, DVD Multi Recorder and RW. Nothing out of the ordinary. There is an eject button, LED for activity and pin hole for extracting discs should the drive be without power.

Around the back there is a DC socket for use with the DC power adapter that comes included in the packaging. Next to this socket is a mini-USB socket for connecting the eSAU 208 directly to your computer.

On the underside of the eSAU 208 there are four feet to prevent slipping, and on the back there is a label with certifications, standards and serial numbers.

Bundled within the package is a stand, you can slide the eSAU 208 into this small object and it allows you to have it stand vertically instead of on the desk etc. Stood up like this the drive does actually look quite contemporary. Overall, the eSAU 208 is a robust little device.

Nero 7 Essentials

Earlier in the review I mentioned that bundled with the eSAU 208 is Nero 7 Essentials software disc. Nero are currently marketing the 10th instalment of the popular software, and they seem to have altered their product line.

http://www.nero.com/enu/products.html

Although Nero 7 Essentials isn’t the latest version, it still offers a wide array of features and functionality. It would be impossible for me to show you every avenue within this software but below are just a few of the features that Nero 7 Essentials offers.

This software gives you the ability to make data CDs/DVDs, copy CDs/DVDs. Make Audio CDs, Video DVDs, erase discs, perform benchmark tests, print labels on your discs and much more!

To say this software is comprehensive may be an understatement. LiteOn have done a good job to include this software because it covers such a vast selection of different types of operations, getting you well on your way to using the eSAU 208 and getting the most out of it.

Conclusion

The eSAU208 may have been on the market for over a year now but its still an extremely useful little device. Being slim, you can take it anywhere with you – it fits into a netbook/notebook bag with ease and compliments these type of computers substantially because it means you can enjoy films whilst on the go and an abundance of other things too.

Noise levels aren’t really an issue with the eSAU208. Even if you are writing a DVD the spinning isn’t disruptive.

At around £40 this external slim DVD-RW is a great buy, offering 8X DVD+RW and 6X DVD-RW this drive is quite zippy giving access times of 130ms. The eSAU 208 also has Lightscribe functionality meaning you can print onto your discs.

The bundled software Nero 7 Essentials may be a little behind things but it still gives you the ability to take full advantage of the drive, copying CDs/DVDs, burning music, making video discs and much more. If you have a blu-ray drive or are planning on getting one, Nero 7 Essentials is compatible with blu-ray discs too so it also covers different media.

The LiteOn eSAU208 is a great value for money external slim DVD writer, if you are looking for a similar drive this is likely to be one of the cheapest options available and I would recommend it.

Pros
+ Modern, stylish looking
+ Very portable
+ Useful software bundled
+ Great value

Cons
– Software is quite dated
– Attracts dirt easily