Iomega debuts DVD combo drive, Sony responds with rebate

As
expected, Iomega's Super DVD drive will span the range of CD and DVD
technologies, including CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R and DVD+RW, all
formats supported by Sony's drive. Where the Iomega product differs,
though, is in its support for the DVD-RAM format for backing up data and
in included software intended to make it easy for computer users to pick
which software and recording medium to use for various tasks, said Richard
Giannini, manager of the product.

Giannini showed two versions of the product at the
CeBit trade show here. An internal version costing $ 329 is scheduled to
arrive in August, with a somewhat larger $ 379 external model using a USB
2.0 connection scheduled for September release. The company is
investigating the possibility of a system with a IEEE 1394 "Firewire"
connection as well, he added.

Sony released its combination drive in November 2002
with a $ 350 price tag. Since then, it's increased recording speeds and
dropped the price to $ 329. On Wednesday, Sony said it will offer a $ 30
rebate from June 27 through July 31.

Sony doesn't believe the DVD-RAM support in the Iomega
drive will make a difference. The company said in a statement that the
format "has very little value in the market. It's a proprietary format
that's not playback compatible with DVD-ROM drives and DVD players. It's
also slower, and the media is more expensive."

Giannini disagrees, saying that consumers will seek
out DVD-RAM's backup features--a longer lifespan and a screening process
to make sure data isn't stored on damaged parts of the
media.