Sony Electronics has introduced two USB 2.0 CD-RW drives, which it says are Mac compatible. Two caveats: they are only compatible with the Classic Mac operating system, not Mac OS X, and Apple hasn’t officially announced support for USB 2.0.
The CRX1950U 40X drive is an external drive that lets you create a full CD-R disc in about three minutes, according to Sony. It offers software for both Mac and PC users and Power-Burn conformed buffer under-run technology, according to Robert DeMoulin, marketing manager of the branded storage product management group for Sony Electronics’ Information Technology product department.
The CRXP-90MU is a new portable combo drive with a 24X maximum write speed, a suite of software for creating custom CDs and Sony’s Power-Burn technology to prevent buffer under-run and writing errors. Its Memory Stick media slot lets you transfer digital content onto a CD-R/RW disc from a variety of different electronics devices, including digital cameras and some handhelds.
The Sony USB 2.0 40X CD-RW drive is available now for US$179. The USB 2.0 24X portable combo drive is due next month for $299. Both are USB 1.1 compatible and support Mac OS 9.0.4 – 9.2.1. Although USB 2.0 is not presently installed on the Mac at the factory, it can be added through the addition of a third-party USB 2.0 interface card.