Backing up files and movies with a top-notch burner is simple. Yet, buying a burner that is fast and efficient is another story. Blu-ray burners tend to be more expensive than most other types of burners, though Blu-ray has its place. A Blu-ray burner is likely to cost more than $300. Regular burners that support various types of media can be purchased for $150+.

Sony BWU-100A Blu-ray Burner -- $700+

Aside from the fact that the Sony BWU-100A Blu-ray Burner is expensive, it is an all-around good buy for those who can afford the high price tag. This burner is fast and supports various media types. Sony also put a lot of time into designing this Blu-ray burner. The surface of the BWU-100A burner is sleek and compact, while the entire unit is aesthetically appealing. IDE connection is an option with the Sony Blu-ray burner, and it also comes with a slew of software including CyberLink Blu-ray Software Suite and PowerProducer. The one drawback to this Sony burner (price excluded) is that this burner takes a while to burn a commercial Blu-ray disc. Otherwise, this is a solid burner that will perform basic burning tasks with ease.

PlexWriter 48/24/48A -- $159+

The PlexWriter 48/24/48A is a speedy burning machine that comes with a reasonable price tag. Inside of the PlexWriter box is an IDE cable, CD-R, a software installation CD, and a user guide. Even though the PlexWriter does not include 24X CD-RW media, it does come with two different CD-mastering tools (Roxio Easy CD Creator and Oak Technologies’s SimpliCD). This drive is compatible with Windows XP, Me, 2000, and 98. When compared to other burners in PlexWriter’s price range, this burner was vastly faster. For a speedy burner that comes packed with almost everything necessary, the PlexWriter 48/24/48A is a good buy.

LaCie d2 External Blu-ray Burner -- $300+

LaCie d2 External Blu-ray Burner is expensive, but no more expensive than other Blu-ray burners. Price aside, this Blu-ray burner is supported by more media types than most other burners. The only media type that the LaCie d2 External Blu-ray Burner does not support is HD DVD. In addition, LaCie d2 External Blu-ray Burner works with both Mac and PC, which can’t be said about a lot of other burners in its class. This burner can burn 12cm or 8cm discs quickly, and it can handle commercial DVDs effectively.

Plextor PX-608CU -- $160+

The Plextor PX-608CU was designed for laptop users. As such, Plextor has included an AC adapter just in case a user’s laptop isn’t strong enough to power the burner. In addition, this burner is slim and sleek, which makes it easy to carry and aesthetically appealing. As with most burners, the Plextor PX-608CU does not work with Mac. As a basic addition to a laptop that does not have a burner, the Plextor PX-608CU is an ideal buy. While this burner is slightly slower than other burners, it is still a top burner for laptop and netbook users who do not have any burning options.