I came along at the tail end of a couple generations of music lovers who will always remember their first 45-rpm. Mine: Prince's Raspberry Beret (B-side: She's Always In My Hair). For those of us who have embraced the digital age but still hold a sentimental attachment to vinyl -- and for those who never owned a record but crave all that is retro-chic -- Verbatim offers Digital Vinyl: CD-Rs that look like 45-rpm records.

The discs have a standard 80-minute, 700MB capacity and Verbatim's dual-protective layering system to help safeguard your data against scratches, heat and general wear and tear. Does it work? I haven't seen lab analyses, but I did put Digital Vinyl through the 'Oh no, I've let the disc roll around unprotected in my car for a week' test and despite some visible scuffing, it still sounds great. Look for custom printable labels from Verbatim later this year to complete the 45-rpm illusion.

Price: Expect to pay a little more for Digital Vinyl than your average recordable disc. $1.49 for a single, $12.99 for a 10-pack.

Jan. 13, 2003