DVD Dual-Format Writer: Internal vs External

[applesseed]

Like the title says...

I'm looking for a Dual-Format ( "dash" & "plus" ) DVD Writer.

Internal or External? What do you think guys?

Give your opinion and what brand/model I should go for.

 

[corkyg]

My choice is always external. That way it can be OFF if not needed. It also seems to work better. There are several good ones out there - I would look for the broadest format coverage (-R, +R, etc.) Another reason for external, it is easy to connect to another machine that way.

 

[EeyoreX]

That way it can be OFF if not needed.

My internals are "off" for most practical purposes. Unless they are needed and in use. If the issue is power saving, I hardly think the pennies annually is worth it.

It also seems to work better.

Please do explain this. I'm interested. Most often external drives are simply internal drives in an external case. They "work" the same.

Another reason for external, it is easy to connect to another machine that way.

The need to use the drive on multiple machines is a great reason for external. Also if your bays are full or you are squeaminsh about opening your PC and installing things. I prefer internals more often than not, as I don't want the clutter of extra "stuff" on my desk. I do recommend externals from time to time for people who I feel "need" to go that route.

\Dan

 

[QueBert]

externals have a cool factor. I had an external Plextor CD-RW, it was in a brushed Aluminum looking casing. being USB it actually ate up more processor then an internal would have though.

the "portable" thing is nice, if you ever wanted to take the drive to a friends house or something, or maybe had a LAN. But there's not much use besides that.

performance will be too close to measure, only difference will be CPU usage, and unless your PC is a dinosaur I don't think you'll miss 3% of your CPU while you're burning 🙂

 

[applesseed]

Seems like external are a good choice because I can use it on different machines, however my concern is how good the transferring data is. Like comparing internal and external. I always thought internal are better drives because the data doesn't have to travel quite far rather than external... output from USB... through cable to writer. Any effects? Is there a difference?

 

[EeyoreX]

As was mentioned, performance will be too close in most cases to make a difference. In other words, it doesn't matter. Data transfer is not a problem with an external drive. Other than the few missing CPU cycles using a USB connection there will be nearly no noticable difference. And, aslo as mentioned, unless you are using a computer that is dino-aged, it won't matter. Those few cycles will be a blip that you never miss. Pick a drive on features you need. If you need portablility, you really have only one choice. If you are concerned over a few CPU cycles when you burn, get the internal.

\Dan