Digital Trends

HP dvd400i

December 15th, 2003 | by Ian Bell

Use and Testing

Hardware and spec wise, the dvd400i really has nothing to gloat about. It only has a 2MB buffer, and there is no mention of any sort of Burn Proof or buffer under-run technology. The dvd400i can also only write to DVD+R/RW media types; although it can also read —R/RW media. The real treat is the amount of software HP gives you with this drive. Oddly enough it is this very same software that caused some issues with our test system. Ever have that relative that is constantly calling you with computer problems? And when you finally went to check out their system, you found an extra-ordinary amount of programs running in the background and taskbar. This is exactly what the HP software did to us.

During the installing the software our system immediately locked up. For the impatient, you will probably be inclined to restart your system; but don't as it will eventually recover. Once the software was installed, it had us restart the computer and then immediately updated our drives firmware. It is great that HP is offering firmware and software updates, but we do not like software running in the background constantly checking for them. This sort of action will not only slow down your system itself, but your internet connection speed as well even although not significantly.

Most of the software that comes with the HP dvd400i are limited versions, but they serve their purpose on a basic level. Sonics RecordNow does not feel nearly as nice as Roxio's Easy CD and DVD creator, but it works and that has got to count for something. Speaking of Roxio software, our Roxio Easy CD and DVD Creator and Ahead's Nero 6 software were both compatible with this drive and did not require any sort of software updates.

HP includes a very detailed GUI (Graphical User Interface) which allows you to pick the software you want depending on your purpose. This eliminated the need to create 5 different software shortcuts for the program you want to use. CyberLinks PowerDVD program is excellent for viewing DVD movies and we were pleased to see this included with the drive. Both of the DVD editing/creation software included with this package work as advertised, but lack any sort of advanced features that true multimedia experts will want. Overall HP offers a software package above and beyond what most other manufacturers are offering with their DVD writers.

In our DVD writing tests, the dvd400i placed right in between the TDK 440N (4X DVD writer) and Plextor's PX-708A (8X DVD writer). As far as writing speeds the dvd400i could certainly be faster but we did not experience any bad burns, proving that the drive is reliable.

In our CD writing tests, the dvd400i experienced the same problems the Pioneer's S606 had. Writing to CD media proved to be very time consuming taking more than 3 minutes to write a 525MB directory.

For complete test results, please click on the performance link and tab located above and below this review.

Conclusion

The HP dvd400i has a lot going for it in the way of reliability and software features but fails in the performance category. DVD and CD write times are sub par and while the drive can read DVD+R/RW media, it cannot write to this type of media. HP includes all of the necessary software for you to get going, but the some of the software runs in the background slowing down your system. Computer novices should be happy with the overall package, but hardcore computer users should look elsewhere. For $199 you should be able to purchase a drive that writes both DVD media formats.