In today’s digital world, it’s easy to forget about optical drives. However, there are still plenty of occasions where you might need to read or write to a CD or DVD. That’s where the 322-LU USB 3.0 Portable Ultra Slim External CD-RW DVD-RW Drive comes in. This sleek, multicolour drive promises speed, portability, and ease of use. After putting it through its paces for several weeks, here’s my comprehensive review.

The 322-LU immediately impresses with its stylish, glossy exterior. It’s incredibly slim and lightweight, making it perfect for slipping into a laptop bag or backpack. The multicolour finish adds a touch of personality. The USB 3.0 interface provides fast data transfer speeds, and the fact it’s backward compatible with USB 2.0 is a significant plus for older systems. The “plug and play” functionality is a real time saver – no driver installation is needed. The single USB cable handles both power and data transfer, eliminating the need for an external power supply.

I tested the 322-LU with a variety of media, including CDs, DVDs, and even some older, scratched discs. The read speeds were consistently impressive, even with slightly damaged media. Burn speeds were also acceptable, although not the fastest I’ve ever seen. Writing a full DVD took around 10-15 minutes, which is perfectly reasonable for a portable drive. I didn’t experience any errors during the testing period, which speaks volumes about the drive’s reliability. The drive remained cool even during extended use, a testament to its efficient design.

The compact nature meant I was able to utilize it seamlessly on my desktop and laptop computers. No compatibility issues were encountered throughout the testing period, and the ease of use was undeniable.

Pros:

• Sleek and portable design
• Fast USB 3.0 speeds
• Plug and play functionality
• No external power supply needed
• Reliable performance

Cons:

• Burn speeds could be slightly faster
• The glossy finish is prone to fingerprints

Overall, the 322-LU USB 3.0 Portable Ultra Slim External CD-RW DVD-RW Drive is a fantastic option for anyone needing a portable optical drive. Its combination of speed, portability, and ease of use makes it a standout product. While burn speeds aren’t class-leading, the convenience and reliability more than compensate. I highly recommend it.