Which DVD burner?

[SkaarjMaster]

Let's assume that I'm getting a DVD burner today. I've narrowed it down to 4 and they are listed here based on price (lowest price found today) and speed strangely enough.

Lite-On LDW-811S
8X DVD+R, 4X DVD-R, 40X CD-R
$149 at newegg

OptoRite DD0401
8X DVD+R, 4X DVD-R, 40X CD-R
$138 at newegg

Sony DWU14A
4X DVD+R, 4X DVD-R, 24X CD-R
$134 at newegg

Pioneer 106D
4X DVD+R, 4X DVD-R, 16X CD-R
$120 at gameVE

I've already read some reviews and a few comments in this and other forums about some of these, but don't know much about others. I know that a lot of people have the OptoRite and Pioneer and recommend these drives; others have the Lite-On and recommend it. I also know that the Pioneer is probably better at burning DVDs because of its media compatibility, but the Lite-On is better at CDs and may have some firmware upgrades in the future to make it more media compatible. Seems like the most bang for my buck is the OptoRite and I would like to have a faster CD burning speed than 16X. Any ideas on these 4 drives? Thank you.

 

[SkaarjMaster]

Uuum, any ideas? anyway, here's the results:

Anyone know when Pioneer is coming out with their 8X/4X/40X DVD burner? That would pretty much clinch it for them. I checked their web site and there's an expo going on right now and another event in early January 2004 where they are supposed to showcase their 2004 products.

Right now as it stands across 7 different hardware forums with subtracting a vote for people saying NO to a product, here are the results:

Lite-On >> 17
Pioneer >> 14
Sony >> 1
OptoRite >> 1

....above will be edited as needed.

 

[deadseasquirrel]

dont overlook the Plextor PX-708A. a bit more expensive than your other choices, but a very solid burner on both the DVD and CD side, as well as high media compatibility (even when burning 8x on 4x media).

dell as it with a $30 rebate that brings it to about $180ish.

 

[SkaarjMaster]

Plextor pissed me off when I was ready to get a new CD burner way back when with their firmware upgrade anyway. Mad and high priced, not a good combo.

 

[SkaarjMaster]

Well, no real votes for any of those 4 burners here yet.

 

[microAmp]

In case you haven't seen the front page....

 

[Miramonti]

I haven't been following them much but if you haven't looked already you can find some good dialog in long dvd sale threads in the hotdeal board.

 

[SkaarjMaster]

Thanks for the front page link. Looks like I read wrong specs on the Plextor and it does burn CD-Rs at 40X. so now the only thing keeping me from Plextor is price.

 

[billyjak]

That Nu Tech blew everything away including Plextor for under $100.00
A new firmware is suppose to come out the 15th

 

[SkaarjMaster]

Anymore votes? Looks like Pioneer and Lite-On. People have also been suggesting the Plextor, so here's the plan. I'll wait for Pioneer to release their 8X version and then look at specs and prices from Pioneer, Lite-On and Plextor and decide when I'm ready to order in Feb. 2004. Of course, I'm still considering others, but right now it looks like it will be one of these three.