Lite-On vs Plextor

[Ryukumu]

Well, the holiday season's coming around, and I'm going to ask for a new CDRW drive. A local store where I get most of my computer goodies from sells some CDRW drives, but two of them stand out: A Lite-On and a Plextor, both 16/10/40. The Plextor is about $180, and the Lite-On is about $100. I'm not sure which to ask for. Another computer in my home network uses a Plextor 12/10/32 and that drive is fantastic. I've heard Lite-Ons are good, but with that price, I can't help but wonder what the catch is. Here's a list comparing what I think of the drives:

Cost: I'm not paying for it as it's a potential gift for me, but clearly the Lite-On SOUNDS like a better deal.

Speed: Both are 16/10/40. For me, that's plenty fast.

Software: Plextor comes with EZCD (not sure what version), and the Lite-On comes with Nero. I've used EZCD before and I like it (though many on this board seem to disagree with me), and I've never used Nero. I doubt the Plextor comes with EZCD 5, and they aren't gonna release a WinXP patch for EZCD 4. I don't have WinXP right now, but I plan on getting it over the summer. On the other hand, I heard that Nero works/will work soon with XP. They say Nero is less of a 'bloatware' program, and I am somewhat interested in the Video CD burning features. Somewhat.

Noise level: A non-issue. I used to have a 24x Mitsumi CD-ROM drive, and I currently have a 12x Delta drive. I'm used to noisy drives and another one won't bug me much.

Reliability: Here's the big kicker with me. Above all, I want a drive that is reliable, won't burn coasters, and shouldn't give me any problems when trying to install. The Plextor I've used is fantastic on all levels. I don't know about Lite-On 'cuz I've never used one, though I've heard good things (don't the newer Lite-Ons have BURN-proof?).

That's what I think. Which one should I ask for?

 

[Utterman]

I have the Lite-On cdrw and I LOVE it. It's the 24x10x40x cdrw, and you can get it for around $100 at Newegg.com.

Lite On is a manufacture of optical devices for the past 25 years. They have mostely been in the OEM market and just recently went to the retail market. Their cdrws are pretty much the same as the Plextor. With Plextor all you are getting is their name when compared to the lite on. I was amazed how quit this drive it compared to my 48x cdrom that sounds like a jetplane sometimes.


Here is a nice review of the lite on and also has the plextor: http://www.cdrinfo.com/hardware/liteon24102/index.shtml

Hope that this helps you out, just let me know if you need any more help!


Take Care
~Utterman

 

[sohcrates]

The 16x and 24x lite-ons DO have a form of burnproof, and it works great. Plextor's are fantasic drives as well...but are obviously more expensive

you really can't go wrong with either, but dont' order from the local stores!!

go to newegg.com and you can get the 24x lite-on for less than 100! and the 24x plextor for around 150!!

 

[Ryukumu]

Hmm... the Lite-On 16/10/40 sounds good to me! Thanks for the feedback!

Just to double check... it DOES come with Nero 5, doesn't it?

 

[sohcrates]

<< Hmm... the Lite-On 16/10/40 sounds good to me! Thanks for the feedback!

Just to double check... it DOES come with Nero 5, doesn't it? >>



yep, sure does come with nero (the retail version at least)

what's wrong with getting the 24x???

 

[Ryukumu]

Well, for one, the local store doesn't carry the 24x. I'll mention ordering it online, but I doubt they'll do that. Plus most CD-R media says it only supports up to 16x burning. I've heard that it doesn't make a difference and that most 16x media'll work fine being burned at 24x though.

 

[sohcrates]

yep, most 16x media burns fine at 24x. do a search on these forums for "24x media" and you'll find lots of recommendations of cd-r's that work at that speed.

 

[chizow]

I'm loving the Lite-On 24x10x40x....thing is silky smooth and fast!!! Burns 80mins of mp3's in just over 3 minutes. I agree with the others, don't buy from a local store, give your parents a link to Newegg.com, point them to the Lite-On 24x10x40x and show them the Plextor which costs like $50-60 more. Then convince them to apply that credit towards another fun toy

Chiz

 

[Ryukumu]

<< Then convince them to apply that credit towards another fun toy >>



Funny you should mention that, I'm also asking for an Apex 1500 DVD player... I'll let them know about Newegg.com. I've never bought anything from there, but the place is recommended enough on this board to where I'd trust it.

 

[Villareal]

What's wrong with buying from Local stores ?

 

[sohcrates]

<< What's wrong with buying from Local stores ? >>



Cost, of course. They just don't do the amount of business as online...and are more expensive

Granted, you get things like (sometimes) good customer service and a physical place to go complain if it breaks....but really, local stores are best for finding WHAT you want...then you go home and order on the internet for a LOT cheaper

But it's up to you...some people like supporting small businesses...unless you're talking about best buy or circuit city!

 

[Villareal]

Thanks for clarifying.
I have a Lite-on 16x DVD myself. Bought it at a computer show for $52
Love it. I'm getting the 16 or 24x CDRW on the next show. Sometimes prices are just as good as on line.

 

[chizow]

<< What's wrong with buying from Local stores ? >>



Well online shops have basically adapted the warehouse discount mentality, its not a new concept. Operating retail space gets expensive, employee salaries increase with retail shops, advertising costs increase, inventory costs and distribution costs etc etc etc. If you run a business out of a warehouse you basically cut the fat while keeping your distribution, inventory and overhead costs to a minimum. You can also deal in larger volumes than a local or regional competitor, thereby achieving economies of scale and driving down the prices you receive from suppliers. Centralized shipping locations/warehouses means you know what you have, and when to order more from your supplier. Your display space is just 0's and 1's on relatively low cost servers, and you have the benefit of word-of-mouth advertising/referrals on a national scale. Amazon has based their business strategy on these beliefs hoping to one day turn a profit (they haven't made a penny yet ). I could write an entire essay on this and point you to a Harvard case study, but that would be overkill and I've been out of school too long to remember all the gory details of it

Chiz

PS I still like retail, but only when its cheaper or the item is unique. The great thing about electronics and computer equipment is that the stuff is homogenous, its all identified by model numbers and SKU's, so you know exactly what you're getting without ever having to see it for yourself.

 

[ace31216]

For 3 years, All my burners are from PLextor. They have performed splendily and I guess I am loyal to them. I have never had one single problem with Plextor

 

[nealh]

I agree with the sediment here get the liteon but go with the 24x cdrw..newegg has an exceelent reputation with good customer service and for $100 you can get the oem model shipped or for $102 you can get the retail model

 

[cool0221]

Also look at the 24X CDRW for $75 available from amazon here.
This is either lite-on or Aopen. Both are quite good.