what are the best cd-roms for reading all types of data?

[Wayniac]

Toshiba cd-rom drives are well suited for reading sub-channel data (I have an old 24x model that does this fine).

In clonecd, look under "hardware requirements". There's a large table that recommends what works best. Toshiba come highly rated - even gives specific models if you can get your hands on them.

I guess there's still a good reason for having both a writer and a seperate reader these days!

The most popular drive in the UK (at the largest computer markets at least), is the Creative Labs 52x CD-ROM, and also a 48x Sony. However I don't know how good they are at full RAW read. They are very cheap though and very reliable (both are under £29 UK).

Hope this helps.

All the best.