Built for speed: Plextor launches 12x external Blu-ray writer

Plextor's new external Blu-ray writer is designed with speed in mind. The PX-LB950UE offers a 12x write speed for single-layer Blu-ray media and 8x for double layer. The company has also thrown USB 3.0 and eSATA connectivity into the mix to help keep waiting time to a minimum and there's in-device labeling technology for professional-looking disc production. Burn accuracy, quality and stability is given a boost with the inclusion of a low vibration system and 8MB buffer.

Plextor Europe says that the PX-LB950UE external Blur-ray writer has been designed for home and business users who want to quickly back up huge quantities of data to optical media. The writer can record up to 50GB of data to one double-layer disc at an 8x write speed but is capable of bumping that up to 12x for 25GB single-layer media. The device's USB interface is also backward compatible with slower, but currently more common, USB 2.0 technology.

The writer's 6.42 x 2.03 x 8.85-inch piano black chassis is designed to channel airflow to keep things cool and extend the operational lifespan of the writer. The device includes LightScribe disc labeling technology which uses the device's laser to create custom images on the top of compatible discs and comes bundled with CyberLink BD software and PlexUtilities suite.

The PX-LB950UE will be available throughout Europe this month for a recommended retail of GBP179 (US$286).