Purchasing a DVD Burner. Need suggestions

[dsd17]

It is my birthday this weekend and to treat myself, I am planning on getting a new DVD burner. I currently have a Lite-On SOHW-812S that has begun to stop working properly. It will still burn DVDs, but it will not read them after they have been burned. It will also not read or write CDs at all. It doesnt even recognize them.

My question is: Should I go cheap and get something on sale or should I go all out and get a Plextor or equivalent? Are there any advantages to the more expensive burners or are they just over priced?

 

[Ika]

Get a plextor if you can, but if you want to save money shop around on NewEgg. Plextor drives are generally faster and are more reliable; Pioneer and NEC both make good drives as well.

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: guoziming
...Plextor drives are generally faster and are more reliable...

Proof of this please?


I'd recommend the BenQ DW1650, or if you'd like Lightscribe capability, the BenQ DW1655.

Both drives tend to get very high ratings in the reviews i've seen, & feature bitsetting + overspeed burning support.

 

[dsd17]

I went with the NEC 3550. Newegg had it for $35 with a free 5-pack of dual layer DVDs.