Can someone recommend a good cd burner? (external)

[kei]

This morning I received an email from my boss asking for my opinion in regards to the best cd burners on the market. It turns out that someone asked him for his opinion. So what am I going to do? I'm gonna go your opinions!!

I don't have very much info to work with though. I don't even know what type of computer this burner is for. My guesstimate is that we're dealing with a Power Mac G4 since some of the software we use are only mac compatible.

I don't think price is really an issue. Ease of use and reliability are the top priorities. I've heard installing an internal cdrw in a mac is pretty messy so I want to focus on external ones. If someone knows how to install and internal cdrw into a mac, please let me know or include links.
Let's also assume this computer already has a firewire pci card.

Any suggestions for external cdrws? approximate prices?
Thanks!

also, what are your opinions on dvd writers?

 

[RossMAN]

What's your companies budget? Around $200 - $300 for a CD-RW should be sufficient.

I wouldn't buy a DVD burner unless they buy an internal Apple SuperDrive (DVD Burner) and it'll probably cost $$$

The PowerMac doesn't have USB 2.0 does it? Most newer PowerMacs all have FireWire including iBooks, PowerBooks, iMacs, PowerMacs and maybe even the eMac ugly duckling.

If you want to get a Hot Deal then I would search for CD-RW in the Hot Deals forum, when you see the results do a CTRL F and search for FireWire look at those deals. Make sure the CD-RW's are compatible with the Mac OS.

If you don't mind paying *shudder* retail *shudder* then your local CompUSA probably stocks external FireWire CD-RW drives and are more than willing to charge you *shudder* retail *shudder*.

 

[RossMAN]

Well I couldn't find an internal Apple SuperDrive DVD Burner kit but I did find this external USB 2.0 DVD-R/CD-RW for $399.

It's something to consider but DVD-R is still an emerging technology and way to expensive for what you're getting unless you NEED that much storage (then buy it), otherwise an external CD-RW gives you the best bang for your buck.

Here's a good deal on an external Iomega Predator? CD-RW External Drive (24x/10x/40x) for $129.99 after $30 off $150 coupon with free shipping.

 

[kei]

Budget: ~$300 allowance

This computer is probably 2 years old so I don't think it has USB 2.0

I know last month CompUSA was blowing out external QPS burners last month but they are hard to find now. I wouldn't want QPS anyways since they are in bankruptcy and warranty support is nil. Even before they went into bankruptcy, it was hard to get a hold of them. No toll free numbers and they hardly ever return email inquires.

In general, what are some of your favorite brands?

In the past I've used Plextor but recently I purchased a rebadge 40X Lite-on for $25. If the price is right, I have no brand loyalty.
Of course these were internals though. :\

 

[RossMAN]

I think I just found a winner. LaCie has always been a great brand with Mac support.

Here's a nice external LaCie USB 1.1/2.0/FireWire CD-RW for $219 it burns at 48x/12x/48x on USB 2.0 and FireWire and 4x/4x/6x on USB 1.1

Great product, fast, compatible with Macs & PCs, and good price.

 

[kei]

Originally posted by: RossMAN


Here's a good deal on an external Iomega Predator? CD-RW External Drive (24x/10x/40x) for $129.99 after $30 off $150 coupon with free shipping.

The Iomega looks good. I'll do more research on it. In the hot deals thread, one guy said :
Macworld tested the Predator a while back when it first came out... True to it's name, the Predator ate pretty much any disk it was fed...

Is that a good thing? I'm not sure if he's saying that the burner works well with all cdr brands or if it's destroying these cds.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: kei

Originally posted by: RossMAN


Here's a good deal on an external Iomega Predator? CD-RW External Drive (24x/10x/40x) for $129.99 after $30 off $150 coupon with free shipping.

The Iomega looks good. I'll do more research on it. In the hot deals thread, one guy said :
Macworld tested the Predator a while back when it first came out... True to it's name, the Predator ate pretty much any disk it was fed...

Is that a good thing? I'm not sure if he's saying that the burner works well with all cdr brands or if it's destroying these cds.

I think 'ate' is a bad thing unless that poster meant something else. If you can find a Hot Deal on an Iomega Predator I'd consider it but LaCie makes better products and has a better reputation in the Mac community.

 

[kei]

nice work Rossman!
i think i have suitable ammo now.
thanks!!

 

[neovan]

Check this site out here

But I would probably recommend the La Cie that RossMAN suggested. They are a pretty good company to boot.