Need DVD burner recommendation (dual layer)

[nikko]

It seems like all of a sudden there are several dual layer DVD burners available for less than a $100. I'm trying to help a friend buy one. Which one should I steer him toward? He'd like to spend no more than $80. It seems like that might be do-able, actually, but I'm looking for specific recommendations. Something that doesn't involve rebates would be ideal. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

 

[SUOrangeman]

Consolidating threads ...

While the topic may not be identical, I'm sure you can glean an answer from it.

-SUO

 

[FlyLice]

Plextor!

 

[Zepper]

Most on here will recommend the NEC 3500/3520A (cheap, but OEM and usually comes with NO software, etc.) - but I'd recommend the Plextor 716A if you can stretch the budget a bit - it is a full retail kit with both black and beige faceplates, a full suite of software (Roxio 7 and Plextools) and a blank DVD -. There is a $30 rebate program currently - so if you can wait the net cost won't be too bad. (The 712 retail pack cost nearly $200 when it came out last spring.)
. The rebate on my 712A is in its 10th week and counting - I called them today and their automated system said: "The check is in the mail..." Y,R!
.bh.

BTW - A new version of PlexTools just hit the streets today: v. 2.19 Link .bh.

 

[Baked]

As of right now, with the maturity of NEC 3500A's modified firmwares, it'd be the one to get for the best burn quality. NEC 3520A's not bad either and hopefully will reach the burn quality of 3500A with continued modified firmwares. I seriously doubt faster DL burning will become main stream with HD-DVD and Blu-Ray DVD coming. You can find modified firmwares from club.cdfreaks.com's NEC section. NEC 3520A (black OEM) is $64.50 shipped at newegg.com.