Addonics offers peace with external HD DVD / Blu-ray drive

Combo drives made specifically with computers in mind aren't unheard of or anything, but they're still a long ways from being a dime a dozen, so we figured it was worth the time to check out Addonics' latest. This peace maker plays back HD DVD, Blu-ray, DVD and CD, but it will only burn to the latter two; also, it's available with eSATA or eSATA / USB 2.0 interfaces, and it should play nice with Windows, OS X and Linux-based rigs. If you're wondering about speed, it can reportedly toast CD-Rs at 48x, CD-RWx at 32x, DVD±R at 16x, DVD±RW at 8x and DVD±R DL at 2.4x. Both of these suckas are available now for $409 / $429 depending on your choice of interface, and trust us, you never know when having something like this around will totally save the night.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 14th 2007 5:18AM]

Combo players, not the answer to this ridiculous format war. Its either one or the other, and I'll be damned if sony has everything under their format.

[JiGSaW525 Posted Dec 14th 2007 10:45AM]

What are you talking about? Sony doesn't have everything under their format, and it (Blu-Ray) is not even Sony's format....it's a combined effort between numerous companies. So get your facts straight and stop spreading crud.

[LiqwidZero Posted Dec 14th 2007 9:11AM]

Looks like an OEM LG drive. Notice the "Super Multi Blue" on the front of the disc tray.

[JDM Posted Dec 14th 2007 9:50AM]

I agree, Addonics doesn't make drives. Their main business is adapters, enclosures and such. I wouldn't be surprised of the "Addonics" logo on the drive face is either a photoshop or something added for the photo. I've seen stuff like that where the logo is on the box photo but not on the product inside - which is fine with me, I don't like tacky logos, I'd prefer no logos at all.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 14th 2007 5:03PM]

There is one tiny detail you are forgetting, Sony owns all of the Blu-ray production facilities.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 14th 2007 11:45AM]

Why wouldnt i just buy the LG combo HD-DVD/Bluray player and dual-layer DVD burner for $299? Then spend $20-25 bucks on an external esata/usb case. Think i will pass.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136133&Tpk=lg%2bblu%2bray - $299

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 14th 2007 11:48AM]

Doesn't seem like you'd save any money going the LG(-branded) version route w/ external enclosure. Also, note that some have reported the LG drive is longer (deeper) than a typical 5.25" drive, so some enclosures may not mate with it properly ...