NEC ND-3500A 16x DVD±R/RW with 4x DL (Dual Layer)

[techfuzz]

I've held off getting a DVD writer for home longer enough. I did some research tonight and came up with the previously mentioned drive. It came down to a toss-up between it and the Pioneer DVR-108 that also came highly recommended and often reviewed.

Currently it's going for $72 ($68 + $4 s/h) at Newegg with some free 4X DVD+R Newegg branded media.

I considered waiting for the Plextor 716 series to make their way to the market, but most likely they're going to command a premium, probably in the $150 range initially. I think in the long run this is gonna end up being the best deal especially since I need a solid high-capicity backup solution.

What do you all think? Should I buy, or not buy?

techfuzz

 

[LordPhoenix]

I'd get the NEC. NEC is a good brand and not that much far from Plextor. You will save alot of money. Yes. Buy.

 

[calyco]

LordPhoenix is right, I still prefer Plextor (had 2 burners from them) but NEC is a close second. I have the 2500a which is my first burner from NEC and the only problem I have had is reading a few retail discs but a few wipes of the disc solved the problem. Overall though I would recommend it, also bought NEC monitors, LCDs etc. and my impression is that they make quality stuff at affordable prices. At that price definitlely a great buy.

 

[WobbleWobble]

If you can hold off a bit, I remember reading that Anandtech will have a 16x DVD Burner round-up very soon.

 

[techfuzz]

Originally posted by: WobbleWobble
If you can hold off a bit, I remember reading that Anandtech will have a 16x DVD Burner round-up very soon.

I can't really hold off too much longer. My machine is in serious need of repair and I have to put my data someplace. Any idea who was going to do the review so I could PM them and ask for an ETA?

techfuzz

 

[Nickel020]

I am pretty happy with the 3500A. Burns CDs in under 3 minutes and is also fast and reliable when burning DVDs. If you really need it I would get it now, it's a good drive and if there's one that's better you will maybe save 20 seconds on a DVD. I don't really care if it takes 6 minutes or 6 minutes and 20 seconds to burn a DVD...

 

[techfuzz]

Originally posted by: Nickel020
I am pretty happy with the 3500A. Burns CDs in under 3 minutes and is also fast and reliable when burning DVDs. If you really need it I would get it now, it's a good drive and if there's one that's better you will maybe save 20 seconds on a DVD. I don't really care if it takes 6 minutes or 6 minutes and 20 seconds to burn a DVD...

I am not concerned about the 20 seconds difference either as long as it is a 16x / 4x DL drive. Media support and lack of coasters is most important to me really.

techfuzz

 

[techfuzz]

I went forward and bought the NEC from Newegg. I also got a 50 pack of TY 8X DVD+R's for @ $35 shipped from a place highly recommended by others called http://www.rima.com . They have some pretty amazing prices on media that I couldn't shake a stick at and a ResellerRatings score of 9.90+ which blows my mind as well.

Thanks for the vote of confidence you all!

techfuzz

 

[MangoTBG]

That's a decent deal. I'll have to get on that shit.

 

[techfuzz]

Originally posted by: MangoTBG
That's a decent deal. I'll have to get on that shit.

Yeah and to think I've been buying TY CD-R's in 50 packs for about the same price at other vendors! Not a bad switch for 6.5X the amount of storage space for the same price!

techfuzz

 

[Auric]

Those TY02's are good schtuff (burning @ 12x in my HLG) and only occasionally can they be had elsewhere for less as Fuji brand but it is nice not to have a label -although blank matte might be nicer than shiny.

Here's a couple reviews with comparisons:
extremehz
cdrinfo