Plextor vs. Lite-On...please read before rolling eyes!

[Tullphan]

I've read where quality-wise & performance-wise the Lite-On drives were comparable to Plextor.
I can purchase a Plextor 40/12/40 & a Lite-On 16x DVD (both black, both retail) for about $20 more (after rebate) than both a Lite-On CDR-W & DVD drive.
With the prices comparable, would going with the Plextor be a better choice?
Thanks for the input.

 

[RalfHutter]

 

[Zim Hosein]

Sorry, I too couldn't resist. W/ prices comparable Tullphan, I go w/ the Plextor, not out of any dislike for the Lite-On, just because of solid past performance from my Plextor

 

[Dogsbody]

I've installed about a half-dozen of each. I've never had a problem with a Lite-On, and had one Plextor that wouldn't read certain disks, so I'm probably the only person around who would go with the Lite-On! However, I've never heard anyone else complain about Plextor, and I don't think you can go wrong with either brand.

 

[BarneyFife]

I'd go with Liteon also. Plextor is overpriced and has problems with making clonecd's because their firmware caters to software studios.

 

[CubicZirconia]

With the prices comparable, would going with the Plextor be a better choice?

Don't expect the plextor to be better than the lite-on. It's probably just as good though. I'd go with the drive that looks better.

 

[MadAd]

times change - get the liteon

 

[Gog]

Unquestionably go for the Plextor if the price difference isn't substantial... The Plextor has a number of features that the Lite-On doesn't, such as VariRec which is useful if you burn a lot of audio cds (it reduces jitter). With the newest versions of CloneCD, the plextor drive can make just as good copies as the Lite-On.

 

[AndrewPaulNet]

Plextor's a great product - noone can argue with that. But at this point in time - I'd have to say that Plextor is behind in the game because of their pricing. Like many big companies, I do believe they are now pricing based on their name. In the past it may have been worth it - I mean back then I'm sure parts and labor were expensive, but now when everyone and their dog has a PC, I'm sure they make their product at the exact cost, if not cheaper than their competitors, but they still manage to price it alot higher.

I went for Lite On. And I went for them because of performance, not price.

And just to note: I know someone with a Lite On 32x CDR and it burns PERFECT audio cds, both from CDs and from Mp3s. So VariRec that I personally went for the 48x CDR. And Lite On also has a bunch of features that the Plextor doesn't have - like Smart X which automatically reduces the speed for cheaper (non branded, "I have no clue what they burn at media") so you'll never get a coaster. You can evel Alt Control Del to the close program screen and your burn will be fine.

But I'm not saying it's a better drive - it may be, who knows? I am saying I know it's on par with the plextor. If they were the same price, I'd still go for the LO. If you have the money to waste, go ahead and get the Plexy. If you'd rather spend it on a better CD drive, another CDRW for the shazzam of it, a dvd drive or heck, a host of other things you could buy with the price difference, then go with the lite on.

Good Luck on your Purchase.

 

[Ryukumu]

I've used both Lite-On drives and Plextor drives, you're set either way. My brother's computer has a Plextor 12x burner (back when 12x cost ~$230

) and my current rig has a 24x Lite-On. Both work fantastic. One thing to consider: What software comes with each drive? My Lite-On came with Nero, and the Plextor came with Easy CD Creator (Plextor may have changed their bundled software by now, though).

 

[TheCorm]

As I have said before:

Lite ON
Value = Excellent
Performence = Very Good

Plextor
Value = Average
Performence = Excellent

But the performence difference between the two is very small, all the Lite-ON drives I have instaleld have been superb.

Corm

 

[MSantiago]

If anything, I'd go with the Lite-On. The recent Plextor drives don't support some of the features that let you backup protected CDs. Take a look at the CloneCD compatibility list here.

On a side note, I really wish Plextor hadn't abandoned SCSI.

 

[TheWart]

happy owner of two plex drives. the quality is outstanding, never made a coaster except for human error.

 

[jarsoffart]

I recall vaguely that the 40x Plextor is about the same speed as 32x drives. I think the Plextor would come with a much larger software bundle and other amenities but the Lite-on is more of a no-frills fast drive. I would go with the Lite-on personally.