just my experience, but ive put my NEC 3520A through about 250 dvd writes, a couple dual-layer writes, about 200 or so CD/CDRW writes, a ton of dvd/cd reading (and tons cd-ripping), and it hasn't given me any problems. I've had it for 6months to a year I think. I would go check into the current NEC models and see how their reviews look. Check out cdfreaks.com (especially the reviews and the forums) and see how the various companies models are holding up. Do some research, and don't run with just one persons review/recommendation (including mine!).