Zip/Plextor 12x10x32 IDE vs. S&F 12x4x32 Ext. SCSI ???

Mac

Senior member
Oct 31, 1999
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If any of you regularly drop into the "Hot Deals" forum (a dangerous place for upgradeaholics), you are probably aware of the screaming deal which CompUSA had over New Year's week-end for the Zip 12x10x32 "Burn-proof" CD-RW. I couldn't resist the deal and was able to pick one up...$100 after rebate. Making the deal even sweeter is that there is a site which gives instructions on how to hack the burner bios to make it look like a Plextor...same drive, different faceplate and bios.

It is sitting in the box but before I break the seal, I have a decision to make. Being the upgradeholic that I am, I picked up a Smart & Friendly 12x4x32 external SCSI drive this fall when they were being dumped after S&F's demise. Really a nice burner complete with Advansys Ultra SCSI card.

I don't need two so need to make a decision on which to keep...and sell the other. My setup already includes a Plextor SCSI 32X Reader (one of the best purchases I have ever made) and to complete the burning system, have a nice IBM DNES SCSI drive so that entire burning process is all SCSI. Have yet to install the new S&F, continue to use a S&F 6x4x24 Turbowriter ext SCSI which is extremely stable but ready to do it now.

Would like opinions from knowledgeable users which they keep. Sure like the SCSI setup but with the continue advances in UDMA tech, it is really a luxury now.

Look forward to your input.

Mac..."Watching the frames fly by"
 

Shu8

Senior member
Nov 28, 2000
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i'd keep the iomega drive. it's far better than the external smart and friendly just because of the burnproof feature. i don't know how much you can sell the used smart and friendly burner but probably more than 100 bucks. so i think i would try selling the external smart and friendly to make a profit...put it up on auction sites or in the for sale forum.
 

jimmygates

Platinum Member
Sep 4, 2000
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I would keep the Zip/Plextor since it has burnproof and the S&F does not. Either then that, it's a toss up unless you really need fast RW.


-Jimbo
 

MrCraphead

Platinum Member
Sep 20, 2000
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I'd say it's pretty much even. With the S&F being SCSI, there's no need for there being burnproof b/c no SCSI CD-RW needs it. I guess it basically boils down to whether or not you'll use the RW function of the drive, and if you like Ext or Int more. Oh, and I guess also firmware support for the latest versions of Nero, CloneCD, and etc. :)
 

Gunbuster

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Keep the plex/zip since it reads sub chan. and Plextor has a better track record of firmware updates over Sanyo
 

damien6

Golden Member
Oct 11, 1999
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Honestly, I would ditch both of those drives and get a faster/newer scsi burner. Personally I'm not that big into any IDE burners and S&F don't have any after support/updates since their demise. Since that Zip burner is still sealed, you might get the top dollars for it compared to an opened/used one. S&F 12x burner is supposed to be rebadged Sanyo BP2 but I haven't found a way to flash it to Sanyos' firmware, which would have been sweet due to "burn proof" support and future fimware updates. Everything depends on what you want to burn, what burning softwares you would like to be supported for the particular drive and possible futureupdates/supports.
 

ncg

Diamond Member
Dec 22, 2000
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I have no experience with the S&F drive, but, in general, I would prefer SCSI over IDE... particularly when it comes to a cdrw. If reliablity is equal, I would go SCSI.
 

Mac

Senior member
Oct 31, 1999
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My primary uses have been to burn/dupe music and data CD's. Have intended to make customized compilations of music CD's but haven't had the time to learn the software...S&F provided fairly good SW for that, at least I think.

CDRW has never really interested me...previously was too slow to be considered as a legitimate backup tool and with CDR's being so cheap now making it disposable media...who needs CDRW?

So those are my requirements.
 

Gunbuster

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Moving Target you go for that? 1 drive failed so every one must be bad stuff

The 6x4x24 was a solid ricoh rebadged. I dont think they made a 6x4x32

S&F never "made" any drives unless putting a name on the bezel counts.

 

Viperoni

Lifer
Jan 4, 2000
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I've never had trouble with my S&F 12x4x32 SCSI.
Great drive IMO
Loved Ricoh media (low cost stuff!)
IMO
Sell all your burners, get a plex 12x10x32 SCSI
*drool* :D
 

Viperoni

Lifer
Jan 4, 2000
11,084
1
71
I've never had trouble with my S&F 12x4x32 SCSI.
Great drive IMO
Loved Ricoh media (low cost stuff!)
IMO
Sell all your burners, get a plex 12x10x32 SCSI
*drool* :D
 

Mac

Senior member
Oct 31, 1999
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Moving Target...S&F actually marketed fairly good stuff plus the accompanying software was generally a notch above other offerings. The "rebadge" is not a big deal because there are only three or four real main manufacturers and most of them OEM rather than direct retail. Was surprised when they went belly up but then again, could be that they offered too much without charging for it. A S&F kit was generally a complete solution straight out of the box, complete with all cables, etc.

Plus, I agree with Gunbuster...a "6x4x32"??? You might want to rethink that.