Buyer's Guide to Blank CD-R, CD-RW and Mini CD-R Discs
Z. Perry
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With the appropriate equipment, recordable compact discs let you save audio, programs, or data to a CD for easy transfer from one computer or audio device to another. However, not all recordable CDs are the same; a variety of types, including CD-R, CD-RW, and mini CD-R (a.k.a. "Pocket CD-R"), are av 
ailable, and there are variations within these types. Here are some tips on choosing the best blank recordable CDs for your purposes...
GENERAL TYPE: CD-RW discs can be written to repeatedly, while CD-R and mini CD-R can only have data or music "burned" to them once, after which they cannot be changed. Blank CD-RW discs are usually more expensive. CD-RW is preferable if you want to repeatedly transfer data between two devices or use them for back-up purposes. On the other hand, CD-R and mini CD-R discs are better if you need to distribute an audio or software CD to other people. According to wikipedia.org, CD-RW discs "cannot be read in some CD-ROM drives built prior to 1997" and "will also not play in audio CD players made before around 2000, with some exceptions." Additionally, Wikipedia indicates that CD-RW discs "need to be blanked before reuse." Mini CD-R discs tend to be somewhat more expensive than CD-Rs, and hold less data/audio, but have the advantage that they can be mailed in smaller envelopes and are usable in CD-based Sony Mavica digital cameras. Make sure your CD "burner" is capable of using CD-RW discs before buying them; some drives are only designed for recording to blank CD-Rs.
GENERAL TYPE: CD-RW discs can be written to repeatedly, while CD-R and mini CD-R can only have data or music "burned" to them once, after which they cannot be changed. Blank CD-RW discs are usually more expensive. CD-RW is preferable if you want to repeatedly transfer data between two devices or use them for back-up purposes. On the other hand, CD-R and mini CD-R discs are better if you need to distribute an audio or software CD to other people. According to wikipedia.org, CD-RW discs "cannot be read in some CD-ROM drives built prior to 1997" and "will also not play in audio CD players made before around 2000, with some exceptions." Additionally, Wikipedia indicates that CD-RW discs "need to be blanked before reuse." Mini CD-R discs tend to be somewhat more expensive than CD-Rs, and hold less data/audio, but have the advantage that they can be mailed in smaller envelopes and are usable in CD-based Sony Mavica digital cameras. Make sure your CD "burner" is capable of using CD-RW discs before buying them; some drives are only designed for recording to blank CD-Rs.