Aqua-Soft ForumsWhen I had my powerbook replaced, I noticed that the superdrive had a different part number that usual, and today I recorded both dvd's and cd's, and here are the specs: DVD- 2X CD- 16X CD (specsfrom finder and toast), plus toast told me that I can record dvd-ram. The regular superdrive writes dvd's at 1X and CD's at 8X, I got a weird trade off, a bad latch for a super-superdrive. 
I guess Apple had to make up for H4rm's bad superdrive. LOL I'm so happy... Maybe this is the new nexgen superdrive supposedly found in the new 15.4" models, I don't know what do you think?? 
Super-superdrive
I will let you know once I get my new laptop, most likely the new 15.4" one as I wont wait for the 17" unless they say it will be quick. I may order next week.
You appear to have recvd one of the new ones since it is faster, and as the first super drives were not "super" in reliability. Too many people have had problems with them to be a good product. Lets hope these next ones prove to be better.
I had the above powerbook replaced, and now I have a new sealed, in-box model. I have have 10 days to return it to the Apple store and pick up whatever comes out tomorrow, so I, like you H4rM am anxious to what happens tomorrow. If they upgrade the 15.4" 's processor and superdrive, they'll have to upgrade those of the 17", since it is Apple's flagship model.