Customer Reviews

Hewlett Packard C4493A CD-Writer Plus 9310i

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Installation of this drive was quick and painless, which every step well-documented and all of the components you need available right in the box. The software installation presented no problems either, so I had everything set up and running in under half an hour.

After two weeks of experimenting with the drive, I have been very impressed with both performance and reliability. Some users have reported problems with writing at 10x speed and receiving constant "buffer underrun" errors, but I have not experienced either of these issues. Data, audio, and video CDs have all been created without any flaws, and I have found nothing whatsoever to complain about in terms of the drive's writing ability.

The software set which ships with the drive is exceptional, but I was disappointed to find that version 3.02 of Adaptec Easy CD Creator was bundled as opposed to the more feature-rich version 4.x. This isn't a major gripe, but audio enthusiasts will likely appreciate the automatic conversion of .mp3 files in the newer version. An upgrade is available ... but having the 4.x version right in the box would have been appreciated.

Another caution to music lovers is the fact that this drive does not support CD-Text, which means that you won't be able to store the artist and title information for each track on your CD-Rs. Again, this is a minor complaint, but most newer CD players support CD-Text, and those who are looking at purchasing this drive primarily for audio uses may find the lack of support to be a drawback.

So overall, if you're in search of a reliable all-purpose CD-R/RW drive, I would highly recommend the 9310i, but if you're primarily interested in creating your own music CDs, you may want to look elsewhere.

Got burned buying the first 2x HP writer back when this was relatively new technology. It made more coasters than CD's. This one, I'm happy to say, makes up for the former. Yes, it makes CD's and fast too! I don't think people will be able to tell the difference between 10 or 20x. It almost takes longer to start the burning process than the actual burning.

The feature that sets this apart most, however, is their Simple Backup program. As an Easy CD Creator user, I've been increasingly frustrated that they continue to ignore the obvious need to back up a hard drive. HP's program solves that problem quickly and efficiently with their program, it even spans across multiple CD's for you packrats.

I ran into a slight problem originally installing their software (common for Microsoft plug and PRAY users). Popped off a note to tech support and got a response in a week. Not fabulous response time, but probably as good or better as any other company. All I needed to do was a clean boot to get rid of all the additional junk loading up at startup. Solved the problem.

Only negative - they include an old 3.0 version of Easy CD Creator. If you have 4.0 you can uninstall theirs and install 4.0 into the same directory and it will work seamlessly with their other programs.

One thing to check out before buying is the new "burn-proof" technology or something similarly named that Sanyo has developed and is starting to appear in Plextor CD writers as of the time of this review. So far the reviews have been really positive and you may want to spend the extra cash for the technology. Otherwise this is the best writer at this price level (I paid 30% more just two months ago - man I hate that!)

I replaced a Memorex CRW1622 with the 9310i and immediately had problems. Trying to write at 10x produced constant buffer underruns. I have a new system 500 mhz, 128 memory, 15g hard disk (defragged weekly) and cannot get this to write at 10x, the best I can get is 8x. H.P. has many recommendations as does Adaptec for this problem but none work. Also, The Adaptec 3.5 software included does not allow mp3 to audio disk creation, requires you to convert to a Wav file. If you go to the h.p. site though and look at software for this drive, you can order the new Adaptec 4.x for $9.95 (H.P. part # C4492-60026) which will do mp3 to audio.

Tech Support and software order lines are not toll free.

Loading drawer is cumbersome, the disk doesn't "fall into place" easily, you have to make sure it is centered before closing the drawer or you hear a crunch and have to reposition it.

This is a good drive, but certainly not the quality I expected.

I bought the Hewlett packard at Costco, actually had bought the 8 speed model 9110i but gave it to my son for his computer. I am sorry I bought the 10 speed, here is why.

1: There is no support for new drivers as of yet. That will most likely change but it will take awhile.

2: This model does NOT support " CD Text " , which means that you can not write the title songs for the music your record. My car CD player has this feature, its nice to see what song is about to play.

3: It comes with Adaptec 3.x. This version of Adaptec does not have a MP3 to Wav converter, you have to get a music converter like Musicmatch or Nero software has it. Adaptec v4.x does have a mp3 converter but you have to purchase the software from Adaptec or your local software retailer.

4: The software that comes with the burner is basic software to get you started , you have to purchase the upgrade which cost you more.

5: Trouble recording at 10 speed, so the 8 speed model would have been better, paid extra money for nothing.

This is a good burner overall; it is fast and easy to install. The only problem is the softwear that comes with it; its basic, weak, user-unfriendly, and has some bugs. After making two CD copies the computer crashes and you have to restart it; this happens every time. Making data CD's can be a hassle since you have to save layouts for every CD that you make otherwise the CD is not recognized. The help and tutorial section of the softwear is no help at all. If you get the burner, you better do you homework and learn all there is about burners, CD's and how it all works. Also you should buy a few extra CD's to practice on.

I got this burner about a year ago. At that time it was the fastest and seemed to be the best. Now it is somewhat outdated. The programs are old. I have messed up so many times trying to copy cds becasue of "buffer underuns". Considering data and making you own original cds, it is great. If you are considering buying a burner, go for some of the newer ones, that are faster but also because they have solved all those problems.

Installation of this product was easy. Software that comes with the burner is really basic, simple and easy so its easy to use for the beginners and it can do all I need: Data, Music, and Backup.. I dont think theres any other uses for a burner other than that.. You dont need to pay extra money to convert MP3 to .wav, if you have an mp3 you wanna convert, you most likely have WinAmp (winamp is free by the way) and if you look at some of the options in winamp, it can convert them very fast. It will even show you its progress as the bar runs down the line of each song. The burner is really fast compared to the others, some CD's cant keep up with it but if thats a problem, there is an option to lower it... Im happy with my purchase and I think I'll stick with this burner for a good while.

I recently purchased this product and have not regretted it yet. The installation was very easy, as the tutorial provided was very straightforward and descriptive. Once installed, I had no trouble burning cds, and the 10x write speed, while not supported by much yet, is bound to come out soon and wow us all. Great product, what one can expect from Hewlett-Packard!

You have read the reviews of the people above... A burner that has the capability of ripping up to 10x... the only cdrs I could find are capable of 8x... which means... you could turn the burner down to 8x and wait for the cdrs to get up to the 10x which your running...

installation is easy! and with the cdwrs...you could re-write at 4x...

It is worth the money to upgade to the 10x vs 8x...

I purchased the 9300 at Costco over the weekend. I agree with all the issues covered in the "Buffer Overruns" review--I haven't been able to record at 10x and have the "coasters" to prove it. I've been recording audio at 4x...haven't tried 8x yet. I wish I'd purchased the cheaper 8x version.