Lite-On iHAS124-04 Optical Drive

Internal optical drives may be on the way out, but they're also more affordable than ever. Take the iHAS124-04 ($17.99 list) from Lite-On, an affordable, 24x disc drive that accepts all DVD and CD formats. In fact, this drive can write on all those formats backed by a list of performance features.

Design and Features
There's nothing fancy or out of the ordinary about this model's design—just a black disc bay with all the logos we've come to know and the one eject button. In the back, you'll find the expected SATA connection. Though, this optical drive does support double layer DVDs and DVD+/-R9 formats. Not to mention that its bay can fit either 8 or 12-centimeter CDs and DVDs. The iHAS124-04 writes at 24x maximum on DVD+/-R and rewrites at 8x top speed on DVD+RW.

This drive's Smart Burn feature is meant to avoid the Buffer Under Run errors by automatically switching writing strategies and walking OPC quality control. The Smart-X function in this disc drive adjusts disc data extraction to the fastest possible speed according to data request rate from the PC and hard disk quality. It also house an ABS system to reduce vibration and noise when reading and writing. The iHAS124-04 is compatible with Windows 2000 or later.

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After starting my career at PCMag as an intern more than a decade ago, I’m back as one of its editors, focused on managing laptops, desktops, and components coverage. With 15 years of experience, I have been on staff and published in technology review publications, including PCMag (of course!), Laptop Magazine, Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, and IGN. Along the way, I’ve tested and reviewed hundreds of laptops and helped develop testing protocols. I have expertise in testing all forms of laptops and desktops using the latest tools. I’m also well-versed in video game hardware and software coverage.

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I have ebbed and flowed between Windows-based and Apple hardware and software throughout my life. My first computer was a hand-me-down Apple IIe with the green screen and spool printer. I soon learned Windows with a—yes, hand-me-down—Packard Bell.

Today, I prefer macOS to Windows for its more straightforward integration with the phone I use (an iPhone) and simpler keyboard shortcuts and file management. Also, the hardware and performance are always top-notch, especially with the latest MacBook designs. (Windows, admittedly, still has better multi-window management.)

As for gaming, I’m a Nintendo fan first, a retro gamer second, and a PC gamer third. Expertise aside, it’s a matter of time and preference—not to mention the lack of space I’m willing to give up for a gaming PC in my home.

Finally, I love 3D-printing new miniatures for the tabletop war games that I enjoy playing. I currently use an AnkerMake M5C filament printer to great effect, and I have probably printed more than 100 models between two armies of dwarfs and elves.

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