Nero 9: full review
Over the years Nero has evolved from being a simple CD burner in its earlier versions to becoming the complete multimedia suite we find in its latest version, Nero 9.
To be honest, Nero 9 will not be remembered as a big turning point in the history of this program, in the sense that it doesn’t feature a bunch of brand-new apps or goes under a complete graphical overhaul. In a way I would describe this new Nero as an evolution of Nero 8 that learns from previous mistakes and applies slight changes that make it easier to use and even more complete.
Don’t get me wrong here. I’m not saying Nero 9 is not interesting or doesn’t have any good features. More than just a burning tool – the classic Nero Burning ROM, which now supports Blu-Ray - Nero 9 includes pretty much everything you need to make the most of your music, photos, videos and creativity. You’ll be able to carry out complete multimedia projects, from ripping your favorite audio CDs and mixing the tracks with Nero SoundTrax to creating videos with your photos, and even design CD artwork (top and back covers, booklet and CD sticker) by yourself with Nero CoverDesigner. What’s more, if you have a LabelFlash-enabled drive you can burn those custom designs right onto the disc.
All these tools are conveniently available from StartSmart, Nero’s handy app launcher. Here you’ll find two main toolbars: on top of the window, shortcuts to Nero’s apps; on the left-side menu, direct access to the most frequent tasks (data burning, audio burning, copy disc, etc.) than open right on StartSmart’s main area. This launcher has been slightly reorganized to provide you with an easier, quicker way to access Nero’s apps, but its general appearance remains basically the same. Why changing something if it works?
Nero 9 features other interesting tools that try to cover even more areas. Perhaps the most outstanding one is the built-in Nero Backup tool, with which you can make backup copies of your most important data. Nero 9 now supports scheduled backups and can sync your data with Nero Online Backup storage (a subscription-based service) or local storage, as well as create system rescue discs. Nero also includes an embedded video player and a photo editor (known as Nero PhotoSnap) though these two apps are quite basic and could have probably been left out without much remorse for the user.
As you can see, Nero 9 includes quite a wide array of tools. No wonder Nero has often been accused of bloatware, and this version won’t change that: you’re still downloading a 370 MB app with a dozen tools, though to be honest they’re all quite straightforward and easy to use. I guess the discussion about complexity versus simplicity will still go on, but my view is that Nero 9 is no longer a simple burning tool: it’s a full-featured suite that happens to include a burning app, plus many other features that make it an excellent application for all your multimedia projects.
Posted at 10:33 pm on Sep 29th
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Posted at 8:05 am on Sep 30th
hi, this is very WONDERFULLLLLLL!
Posted at 5:10 am on Nov 24th
full review?
How can you call that a Full Review? It didn’t even scratch the surface. In that space maybe you could do a full review of Notepad but not something as complex as Nero…
Posted at 10:07 am on Nov 24th
Yes. I have recently purchased Nero 9. I skipped version 8, so Nero 9 is all new to me. I did use a Nero 8 trial, but I didn’t really get to experience the real Nero. Nero 9 is awesome. I’m glad I bought it, really worth it. Probably not worth $99.95, but then again its a very needed program. Its the only program I know that does everything so perfect.
Well done Nero!
Posted at 5:35 pm on Jan 3rd
I purchased Nero 9 but have a question before loading. Question: I have Nero 7 on my PC but can-not remove it, its too large for my Vista Altimate to remove it. Will Nero 9 search for other software and remove it or will it load over it or remain with Nero 7 and 9 on my PC?. I want Nero 9 in its place. Will I have to pay for a Uninstaller program for 38 dollars.
Thank you for your help.
Posted at 9:42 am on Jan 5th
Hey Bob, I’m not sure how Nero 9 will behave with Nero 7 already installed on your PC. I checked the Support area on the Nero website and found a freeware tool you can use to completely uninstall Nero 7 from your system: http://www.nero.com/eng/support-nero7-tools-utilities.html
You can try using that and then installing Nero 9. If it doesn’t work maybe you should contact Nero developers about this issue for more accurate info.
Cheers!
Posted at 4:07 am on Jan 16th
Nero 9 OK but it takes 3 hours to install, it suck huuuiiiii.
Posted at 3:00 pm on Feb 11th
I just bought Nero 9 from retaildownloadsoftware.com in cheapest price. I installed it on my machine and I can probably say that the installation can take a bit of time, but eh, I can live with it. So, I just made my first DVD burn project, and I am very excited. I get to sit and watch it on my own TV. It’s a great program and its all you need. Thanx Nero for a such an awesome product.
Posted at 4:37 pm on May 29th
Installation is very slow, even on my quad core. Nero’s Move-it corrupted my install, so I have to install it again. The error messages indicate I should look at documents which are not on the web, and the $1.29 technical support does not have them either.
Very painful installer, will have to see how the actual program works later.
I have upgraded from Nero 8, and this is a very dissapointing way to start.
Posted at 6:10 am on Oct 31st
You guys must all work for Nero. This piece of bloat sucks. It changed all of my file associations without asking and added an error message to video files. I was using Nero 7, and went back to it after a very painful uninstall of Nero 9. Shame on them!