The Sony offers a comprehensive bundle, although it omits such niceties as IDE and audio cables.

Sony includes its own disc-writing and UDF-formatting software in the form of B's Recorder and CLiP. The CLiP software was the only other program apart from HP's that was able to format DVD+RW discs for packet writing. Oddly, the copy of Ahead's InCD supplied with the other drives and available on the Website isn't quite up to speed with the new format yet. B's Recorder is similar in form and function to Ahead Nero, so it's simple to make music CDs, data CDs and DVDs.

Dantz Retrospect Express Backup is provided to make scheduled backups of whole drives, specific folders or even specific files within folders. It's quick and simple to use, and ideal for turning your DVD burner into an efficient backup device.

MusicMatch Jukebox is included for creating music compilations to be burned to disc, and the ubiquitous CyberLink PowerDVD lets you watch DVD movies rather than create them. For this latter task, MedioStudio's neoDVDstandard software, as provided with a couple of other drives, is shipped.

 With only one DVD+RW disc, the non-software part of the bundle is lacking, but overall the Sony is a good buy for those who already edit video and just need to get it onto DVD. And at all of $4 cheaper than the Ricoh drive, it represents top value for money too.