Speedy Delivery

by David Schloss

EZQUEST BOA 12x10x32x EXTERNAL
FIREWIRE CD-RW DRIVE
Rating 85

Anyone who has used a scsi cd-rw drive knows the headaches caused by the configuration process, and the inevitable “buffer underrun” errors. EzQuest’s Boa Firewire CD-RW drive takes advantage of the Firewire standard and minimizes this painful process.

Packed in a sleek, iMac-inspired shell, the EzQuest CD-RW drive offers impressive 12X writing to CD-ROM media, and even more impressive 10X speeds with re-writeable material.

The high-speed Firewire connection ensures a constant stream of data to the device and the generous 4MB buffer ensures the drive can write continually.

With software for both Mac and Windows 98 machines included (Adaptec Toast for Mac and Adaptec Easy CD Creator and Direct CD for PC), the EzQuest is ready to burn right from the box. A driver for older versions of Toast is also included for pre-Firewire copies.

The EzQuest Boa has a couple of non-performance-related flaws. The placement of the hinges on the drive causes a lip of plastic to slightly obscure the eject button. The company’s Web site includes outdated information and no tech support number. But a direct call to the company got us in touch with a knowledgeable representative.

With great performance and high speed, the EzQuest Boa is the right drive for those who regularly create CD-ROM or CD-RW discs.

EZQUEST BOA 12X10X32X EXTERNAL
FIREWIRE CD-RW DRIVE
$460
EzQuest
714-694-0031
www.ezq.com