Firmware update on USB external DVD burner... risky or possible?

[lostatlantis]

I got a Lacie 8x DVD usb 2.0 DVD burner. It's basically a NEC 2510A in disguise. The firmware is 2.05, which Lacie Tech support told me is the original firmware (same as 2.15 on regular NEC 2510As). So far, the tech support guy doesn't seem to have a clue. He told me to download a Mac update tool if I have a Mac, and linked me to NEC's OEM firmware page saying "it may or may not run".

Well first of all, that Apple update tool is for their latest 16x burner, which definitely doesn't use the NEC 2510A. On the NEC firmware page, it specifically warns against using the updates on external USB/firewire drives. Instead, I should consult the manufacturer.

Obviously I don't want to screw up my drive. So do you guys have any experience with this kind of situation?

 

[lucky9]

Go to cdfreaks.com and your answer should be there. I believe the some (and I would have thought most/all) USB drives would have software included that would allow firmware updates. I know that there are some third party flashing tools that do so.

 

[lostatlantis]

after several emails (I love gmail's forum style format), I finally got an answer saying a PC firmware updater software will be available "later this month". They first told me that I am essentially out of luck if I use a PC, or that I can send it back as an warranty item to be flashed by them using a MAC.

I told them that's hard to believe given the ratio of PC to Apple users. Then I got that later this month reply. It'll be interesting to see if they actually post something or was just BSing to get me off their back.