Home > Consumer Reviews > Archos 4x4x24 USB MiniCDRW for Mac

I was really happy after getting the software installed. It worked once... Then it would not lock again. At the store I saw another customer returning the exact same model...

I purhcased this unit from Best Buy. I had a few problems installing the CDRW on Win98SE, but after a quick call to Archos tech support, they solved the problem. (I had the power plugged in to the audio out jack! DOH!). Since then I have burned 100's of CD's. I had read this was a poor choice for CDRW's but I really do not see what the problem is, unless others just had a hard time installing the drivers for it. All I know is I love mine. Thanks Archos.

I purchased this drive thinking it would be the ultimate laptop add on, it turned out to be the ultimate headache nightmare. Archos does not supply a specific driver for the drive. Archos claims you can use the Windows drivers just fine, however, the PCMCIA Card interface never did work. The tech support person told me to "just run it on USB and don't use the PCMCIA card, it doesn't work". Also per the tech service guy, it does not support the 800 mb cd's. Don't waist your time or money buying it only to return it disappointed.

I love this!

This tiny CD R/W is convenient and has that sexy look of slick new technological devices. Included in the packaging was a zippered case that holds everything and fits easily into my notebook carrying case. This unit is not a space thief, and it adds very little weight to my carrying bag. That makes me happy.

Unlike other reviewers, I found the minidrive worked beautifully on four different laptops. The operating system for all of these laptops is Win98 2nd edition, and was preinstalled by the manufacturer. Neither the two F580 Sony nor the two IBM X20 laptops contain hardware that has been upgraded from earlier systems. This may be significant for the ease of this installation, and is certainly an aspect that should be addressed by the buyer and technician before purchase.

The installation:

I had it up and running in mere minutes on the Sony machines in both the PCMCIA and USB modes. It took a little longer on the IBM laptops because these delightful two- pound models do not have floppy or CD drives. My solution was to connect the X20s to my home network. Then I installed the drivers across the net.

Like the Sony laptops, the IBMs worked beautifully with the PCMCIA and USB ports -- I tested each. I also tested this drive by successfully reading CD ROMs created with my Iomega USB CD RW and Bantam Backpack CD RW. I also performed a reverse test by successfully reading CD ROMs created by the Archos in these drives, as well as my Sony laptop's DVD drive.

The features that caught my attention were the size of the unit, the carrying case, the choice of PCMCIA or USB, and that it is bundled with all cards and connectors. The special bonus is the Adaptec Easy CD Creator software that ships with the drive.

The issue: it is sometimes difficult to get the drive to eject the CD. It's a glitch, and may be frustrating to other users.

USB Advice: if you purchase this, or any other brand of CD RW that uses the USB port, make sure you have no other USB devices connected when you are burning CDs. USB ports share the hardware interrupt signals, therefore you will not have a 100% success rate. It is similar to driving when there is traffic when a 10 mile, 10 minute ride becomes a thirty-minute nightmare.

I found this out the hard way with other drives; the Archos is no exception. I use the PCMCIA connection with mine and recommend the same for all users who have other USB devices active.

If you are looking for a truly portable, reliable CD RW this is an excellent choice. I love mine and have carefully hidden it from anyone who might want to "borrow" it for their own travels. I will loan the Iomega USB CD RW or Bantam Backpack CD RW -- but do not touch my Archos!

Four stars and a wish that others had found the unit as easy as I have -- the lost star is due to the glitch. I, however, am still very happy with mine.

Victoria Tarrani

I got the PC version of this drive, which comes with PCMCIA and USB cables. PC performance is erratic, but at least the thing works. But I cannot get this drive to work on my Mac. I've got the correct cable, drivers and a new copy of Toast. Nothing. Forget support. I have sent many emails to Archos with no response. There is hardly any support information on their website. A company that does not support its products does not deserve our money.