I have a Mitsumi variable 24X max that has worked just fine for nearly 4
years.  Mitsumi now makes a 48X or 52X model that I expect will be just as
good.  Plextor makes excellent CD-RW's but I don't know anything about their
CD-ROM's, or even if they make them.  Look for reviews at www.epinions.com.
Navigate to "Computers/hardware/software" and find CD-ROM's. These reviews
are by consumers who actually bought and used these devices.  Creative Labs
52X CD-ROM gets particularly bad reviews.

Hi;
I seem to have trouble finding a computer cdrom drive lately
that doesn't sound like a freight train, or doesn't fail prematurely.
I have used these brands:
 40X to 52X - BTC, US Drives, Shuttle, ACER, Afreey,Liteon, Artec and a few
others.
I have found Shuttle brand at least the 52x to be poor quality as well as
the I/O magic drives.
What brands /models are listers finding that are good quality,
quiet, and will read all formats of Cd media ( cdr, cdrw, etc)
I found a few cdrom reviews on the net, but nothing really useful.
I know Teac makes good drives, but the only have a 40x drive
 and they are quite a bit more spendy.
What about Sony, Samsung, Toshiba, Mitsumi, Panasonic?
I would rather pay more for something that lasts, I have a growing pile of
drives here:-)

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