Getting a DVD-Burner for xmas....

[Alex]

hey so its that time of year again and my gramps sent me some money!

so here's what its come down to: (all prices in canadian)

- LG GSA-4160B DVD+RW 16X4X16 DVD-RW 8X4X16 CDRW 40X24X40 INT IDE BLACK OEM W/ SW ($96)

- NEC ND-3500A DVD+-RW 16X4X16 DUAL LAYER+R 4X INT IDE OEM W/ SW BLACK ($88)

- PIONEER DVD+-RW 16X4X16 DUAL LAYER+R 4X CDRW 32X24X40 INT IDE WO/ SW BLACK OEM ($105)

They all seem pretty equal and good drives... the pioneer is the best according to some but the high price tag and lack of bundled software make it my least favourite... im tempted to go with LG because im skeptical about the NEC drive but really what the hell do I know?!

thx for any opinions!
-frang

ps - MERRY XMAS ALL!!!

 

[jterrell]

I'd go w/ the NEC becvause they are comparable and the NEC is cheapest but all should work well.

 

[crimson117]

EDIT: Oops, missed that your prices are in Canadian dollars, so ignore this post.

You could get the black 3500A shipped for $64 without software, so you could buy your own DVD software (depending on how good or bad the bundled software is).

 

[fredr28]

Ive got a NEC 3500A and it works perfectly!

I havnt burnt so many dual layers yet though.

 

[LouPoir]

NEC

 

[DanDrop]

NEC and it is only $62 at newegg free shipping too!

 

[LordPhoenix]

NEC!

 

[WalkingDead]

LG 4163 has just been available in the US market. It adds 4x dual-layer writing and claims to be the fastest DVD writer. The NEC 3520 is avaliable on other markets and it should be here too shortly.

 

[LikeLinus]

I had the same decision awhile back. I decided to go with the pioneer at the time.

I'm using the 16x DL Pioneer with a hacked firmware that allows high speed ripping and burning of 4-8x media (all) at 12-16X. I've been VERY happy with it.

You can't go wrong with the NEC though.

 

[airfoil]

- NEC ND-3500A DVD+-RW 16X4X16 DUAL LAYER+R 4X INT IDE OEM W/ SW BLACK ($88)

 

[Alex]

thanks for all the feedback guys... my mind is fianlly made up im goin with NEC all the way!

 

[KamiXkaze]

nec's are decent drives to use so I go for a nec.

 

[Canndy]

i currently have an LG 32x10x40x, an old one, works great. gets stuck sometimes, some conflict with the comp i think.