Lightscribe technology, which uses lasers to burn image labels on to Lightscribe-compatible discs, is still attracting manufacturers, despite its slower writing speed and higher cost per disc.

Philips has used Lightscribe in the DVDR16SLK, which is attractively designed and has both dual-format and dual-layer compatibility. Two lights on the drive indicate either CD or DVD access. Writing speeds are 16-speed for DVD+R, eight-speed for DVD-R and 2.4-speed with DVD+R dual-layer.

A full-sized image takes about 25 minutes to burn, but text-only images appear much faster.

The drive comes with a decent bundle. You get three Lightscribe CD-Rs and Nero Ahead Suite 6.

Although Lightscribe won’t appeal to all, at under £60 you can’t argue with the price.

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