Plextor 712A vs NEC 3500A

[Vad3r]

I can't decide here, both are cheap and on sale right now.

Plextor 712A - 65.00
NEC 3500A - 89.00
both in Canadian prices.

I've read reviews on both, searched the forums on here, and still can't pick one. But gotta pick one.
I have to mention why I'm having a hard time. I currently have Plextor 12/10/32A. It's about 3-4 years old. Everything I've burned, on every media I've bought, has simply worked. Not a single coaster. This Plextor has been good to me. Since I've owned it, if anyone asked me what burner they should get, I would say, "something made by Plextor". Times change, new products come along. Part of me says, stick with tried and true (plextor), the other side says, try something new (NEC D/L, faster).
You all know the advantages/features the NEC has over the Plextor mentioned here. But something has me leaning to the Plextor. Before I just go and get it, I'd feel better having your advice on it.

Tell the truth, I'm still more than happy with my current burner, but with this new Digital camera, saving files in .tiff, I need more burn space. 20-30 pictures on a CD just not working out. I need DVD-+R.
Thanks in advance for any help on this.

edit: 1 last thing I just thought of, any chance either of these will work in linux. I dual boot, Mandrake 10 / XP. If they don't no biggy, but if one works and the other doesn't, that would help choosing.

 

[clicknext]

I've been in the market for a DVD+-RW as well. As far as I can tell, NEC ND-3500A and PIONEER DVR-108 are rulers of this arena. Quite a few posts I've found on forums state that lately, Plextor has dropped the ball on their DVD Writers. I'm planning to get an ND-3500A this week. There is unofficial firmware out that removes things like the rip-lock, regions, and even lets the burner bitset DVD+R, +RW, and +R9 to DVD-ROM.

 

[IamTHEsnake]

Plextor is 12x.
NEC is 16x.

Go with the NEC. They both have excellent write quality but the NEC is simply faster.

 

[Zepper]

While the drives aren't really comparable, with the plextor you do get the retail package and features and software you just can't get with other brands. The NEC is just a bare drive as they don't sell into the retail channel (the Pioneer is basically a NEC drive that you can get with a retail kit), so you have to come up with your own software.
. I had the option of going one way or the other toward the end of last month, and I went with the 712A. Part of the reason is that my 4220 SCSI CD burner is still going strong (must be at least 4 years). So far I'm quite happy with it. Still hoping for some firmware hacker to resolve the Book Type issue (Plextor doesn't provide the book type bit setting feature due to contractual agreements - at least so they claim).
. If you have the money and can wait a little bit, the PX-716A will be out with 16x and dual-layer. The first batch was buggy. There are several threads around here on the 716 and the other burner options. Search for them.
.bh.

 

[Vad3r]

They both have excellent write quality but the NEC is simply faster.

Ok, think I'll go with the NEC. I currently have this 12/10/32A Plextor with a Aopen CD-ROM. I'll take out the ROM and put the NEC in it's place.
I guess I should have the NEC as the Master ?, The Plextor currently is. The plextor still works, I'd like to keep it if I can, will it function properly as slave ?.

Must say, Plextor was my first and only burner, I always thought my next one would be too. Times change tho, this one I have now, best I remember was about $350. Now I"m getting new for $90 (DVD-+Rw).

edit:

There is unofficial firmware out that removes things like the rip-lock, regions, and even lets the burner bitset DVD+R, +RW, and +R9 to DVD-ROM

What is "rip-lock and bitset" ?
And if I want this unofficial firmware, is it hard to find.

 

[LordPhoenix]

NEC. Same performance for less money.

 

[SadisticOne]

The Pioneer uses the NEC chipset... and so does the TDK1616N and another couple of drives. You can interchange the firmware, which can be nice. I'm running modified TDK1616N 2C8 firmware on my NEC3500A.

 

[Hanpan]

Go with the Benq 1620 shipped free @
ncix. The general concencus right now is that it is a better value than the nec.

 

[Triforceofcourage]

NEC is the best drive performance wise and most likey price wise. You can't go wrong with it. Just ordered on myself

 

[clicknext]

There is unofficial firmware out that removes things like the rip-lock, regions, and even lets the burner bitset DVD+R, +RW, and +R9 to DVD-ROM

What is "rip-lock and bitset" ?
And if I want this unofficial firmware, is it hard to find.[/quote]
Here. On the third post, the v2.C8 SE seems to be the one everyone likes.

rip lock I believe is a speed limit that manufacturers put on DVD ripping to discourage copying? Bitsetting basically allows you to burn the DVDs and have them recognized on players as DVD-ROM to improve compatibility.

 

[clicknext]

Originally posted by: Hanpan
Go with the Benq 1620 shipped free @
ncix. The general concencus right now is that it is a better value than the nec.

The NEC has 4X DL writing, though, which is quite significant if you plan to burn anything in dual layer in the future.

 

[Rhin0]

Wow so the Plextor DVD's writers aren't that good? I have one of their CDRW burners from like 1999 or something and it has been outstanding.



If you get the NEC or Pioneer what software do you use? Plextor's software is awesome.

 

[Thermalrock]

you use nero with all writers no matter what brand....

 

[Rhin0]

Guys,

The NEC is on sale for $63.00 at newegg for a thanksgiving sale.


http://www.newegg.com/app/view...=27-152-032&DEPA=0





oh, and you get a 5 pack DVD's free

 

[Rhin0]

BTW, Plextor has a faster drive the PX-716SA DVD±R/RW CD-R/RW

its a 16x

I'll prolly get that one

 

[Zepper]

the 712A got a slew of 10s from reviewers. It is at the top of the single-layer burner food chain. Once they shake the bugs out of the 716A, I'm sure it will displace the current crop of pretenders...
.bh.

 

[Rhin0]

Originally posted by: IamTHEsnake
Plextor is 12x.
NEC is 16x.

Go with the NEC. They both have excellent write quality but the NEC is simply faster.

as I mentioned: PX-716SA DVD±R/RW CD-R/RW

Is the plextor 16 speed, probably comes with a software bundle too

 

[clicknext]

Originally posted by: Rhin0

Originally posted by: IamTHEsnake
Plextor is 12x.
NEC is 16x.

Go with the NEC. They both have excellent write quality but the NEC is simply faster.

as I mentioned: PX-716SA DVD±R/RW CD-R/RW

Is the plextor 16 speed, probably comes with a software bundle too

I can't find any stores that sell the PX-716. In fact, ncix doesn't have any Plextor DVD writers in stock.

 

[Rhin0]

Plextor looks to have a good offering feature and option wise... Does the NEC have all this?



Plextor Software Bundle for Windows:

PlexTools® Professional software allows you to control powerful functions with an easy-to-use interface and includes Plextor premium features for SilentMode, GigaRec, VariRec, Q-Check and SecureRecording.

Roxio® Easy Media Creator? 7 is an award winning software suite which combines full-featured photo, video, music, burning, and authoring applications for the PC.

Dantz Retrospect® (30-day trial version) helps you back up important data against loss due to viruses, newly installed software, user error and damaged hardware.
Support Windows 2000/XP only



Total Solution Features

-Double layer allows you to record up to 4 hours of high-quality MPEG-2/DVD video on a 8.5 GB disc
-Intelligent Recording Technology supported for recording at high-quality and optimum speed
-AUTOSTRATEGY®. Writing technology for unknown media with uneven quality.
-Intelligent Tilt? Precise laser control via liquid crystal and three-dimensional tilt adjustment for uneven disc surfaces.
-PoweRec® technology is a sophisticated write strategy providing superior quality recording at maximum speed for your chosen media
-Buffer Underrun Proof Technology prevents buffer underrun errors
-Buffer Memory - 8MB
-Achieves 16x write performance with recommended 8x DVD+R media
-Support DVD+RW background format
-Support DVD±VR format for direct disc recording
-Horizontal or vertical mounting orientation
-Replaceable black front bezel included
-OS Support - Windows® 2000/XP?
-One-year full warranty (parts and labor)



Looks good to me!

If the NEC could stack up with that I might get it... however there is some good software with the Plextor and that software costs $$$

 

[Rhin0]

Originally posted by: clicknext

Originally posted by: Rhin0

Originally posted by: IamTHEsnake
Plextor is 12x.
NEC is 16x.

Go with the NEC. They both have excellent write quality but the NEC is simply faster.

as I mentioned: PX-716SA DVD±R/RW CD-R/RW

Is the plextor 16 speed, probably comes with a software bundle too

I can't find any stores that sell the PX-716. In fact, ncix doesn't have any Plextor DVD writers in stock.

as Zepper said it isn't out yet... give it some time guess it hasn't hit the shelves..




zepper- check your PM's buddy

 

[laxjax13]

just bought the NEC off of newegg for $63 shipped

 

[Rhin0]

Originally posted by: laxjax13
just bought the NEC off of newegg for $63 shipped

SHIPPED?!?!?

DAMN DUDE WHAT A DEAL

Did you get your free 5 pack of DVD-R's also?

 

[Stangs55]

go for the nec....i have one and a plextor 708. I love the nec--you won't be disappointed.

 

[Hanpan]

Originally posted by: clicknext

Originally posted by: Hanpan
Go with the Benq 1620 shipped free @
ncix. The general concencus right now is that it is a better value than the nec.

The NEC has 4X DL writing, though, which is quite significant if you plan to burn anything in dual layer in the future.

Actually the newest firmware enables 4x DL for the benq. This has turned the tide for many

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: Hanpan

Originally posted by: clicknext

Originally posted by: Hanpan
Go with the Benq 1620 shipped free @
ncix. The general concencus right now is that it is a better value than the nec.

The NEC has 4X DL writing, though, which is quite significant if you plan to burn anything in dual layer in the future.

Actually the newest firmware enables 4x DL for the benq. This has turned the tide for many

Just as my little $0.02 about this BenQ...it freakin' rocks!

Every DVD i burn will burn a full speed faster (4x @ 8x; 8x @12x or 16x!)
I don't know if the NEC does that, but burning my DVDs really fast is damn nice.