difference between verbatim "datalife" and "valulife" cdrs?

[rudds]

i've been using the verbatim datalife cdrs that come in separate jewel cases off and on since i got a cdr, and they're the best ones i've tried, by far. i found out last night that verbatim also sells cdrs by the spindle, but they're called "valulife" instead. has anyone used both or does anyone know if there's any real difference? i'm not concerned about label surface or anything, just the dye in the cdr and other technical factors.

 

[Noriaki]

I haven't noticed any difference.

The jewelled ones have a writable surface that says Verbatim and has some blank lines on it.
The spindled ones don't have the writable surface and are just plain white.

That's the only difference I've noticed, and you said you don't care about the label surface so they should be the same.

 

[billandopus]

DataLife Plus is made by Mitsubishi Chemicals Corp and is decent media.

ValueLife is cheaper media made by (last time I checked) various cheap OEM manufacturers ... mainly Ritek or CMC Magnetics. Verbatim subcontracts their cdrs like many other names.

In my experience i'd stay away from the ValueLife if possible.

Depending on your setup they may both burn well. However, i'd bet you bottom dollar that the ValueLife media will not keep it's data integrity to the same degree as the DataLife Plus. You will pay a premium for the DataLife Plus.

If you are looking for cheap discs to make music and whatnot then the ValueLife may just be the ticket. You can get a good deal at buy.com with coupon for the 50pk spindle.

But everything being equal you are better off buying the FujiFilm 80min cdrs with rebate for cheap that have been positively identified at Taiyo Yudens. Same as the 100pk TDK's in the 2x50 configuration which are also TY's.

 

[Possum]

What specifics should I look for if I'm trying to get the TDK's that are definitely Taiyo Yuden? I bought a TDK 50pack-spindle from bestbuy.com about 2 months ago and got Ritek (though it varies a lot with TDK). Just wondering how I can be sure I get the Taiyo Yuden variation - like what online store sells only these.

 

[Zucchini]

It really depends on what your burning. If your trying to save a family album of pictures or something of value, do not buy cheap disks. Otherwise it doesn't matter.

 

[billandopus]

CompUSA has the 80min FujiFilm cdrs made by TY on special with rebate. This may be an old deal now. The good Fuji's will say "Made in Japan" on it. CompUSA also had the 2x50pk TDK spindle that was TY as well and one hot deal with the rebate which made it 20 bucks for 100cdrs of good quality. Beware that the 100pk TDK are Riteks. Some CompUSA had both types so check around.