laptops with dual layer dvd-writers

[Hacker_Girl]

I'm looking to buy a laptop, but so far have only found them with either dvd+rw or dvd-rw...are there any laptops available yet in dual layer (dvd + and -)
Thanks!

[tompika]

I havent heard about any dual FORMAT laptop DVD writer

Ricoh has a 2.4xDVD+R/W and Panasonic or Pioneer 2xDVD-R/W

[Hacker_Girl]

had a feeling that would be the case......oh well, i'll have to go for + or - and hope for an upgrade soon!!

[tompika]

Go for an external burner..

[Hacker_Girl]

I think thats gonna be too expensive on top of the price of the laptop......do external ones have the dual layer format?

[tompika]

Dual layer is an original pressed DVD9


Yeah there are external dual format burners,
but you can buy a regular one and put it in a firewire/USB2 case

[Hacker_Girl]

oh ok....have i used the wirte word 'dual layer' i want it to be able to burn both dvd+r and dvd-r....that is dual layer right?

[tompika]

Dual layer is an original pressed DVD9

DVD-R/W is a (re)writable format

DVD+R/W is another (re)writable format

[andkiich]

I think the term you are looking for id "dual format", not "dual layer"

[Hacker_Girl]

ooops yeah...that would be the word im looking for thanks!

[sammie]

Uhhh, no. You mean dual format (+/-) Dual layer is the process of burning two independent 4.5 layers and annealing them together to make a 9 G overall disk. Many commercial disks are made this way. One of the main bugaboos of backing them up. There is no current home technology for making such a disk. Occasionally something gets touted. Usually someone misinterpreting a dual SIDED "flipper" disk. Most companies are working on some flavor of "Blu" technology as the larger size format of the future.

[Cornucopia]

Don't use the word "Dual-Layer" for what you mean to be "Dual-Format". DVD-R is a format, DVD+R is a format. Neither of these formats support Dual-Layer techniques. The only format that supports Dual-Layer is DVD-ROM (the factory stamped/pressed kind that you buy in stores) with the DVD-9's -14's and -18's, which, of course, you cannot burn to.

As to your original Q, I'd say go with a combo Firewire/USB2 external. That way, you can use it for laptop or desktop usage. Yeah, it's a little bit more expensive, but in the not-so-long run will be worth it.

Scott

>>>>>>edit
Man, you guys must type faster than I do!

[Hacker_Girl]

so...er...let me re-word my original question....anyone any laptops that come with a dual format dvd-writer
thanks!

[Hacker_Girl]

k....i wish i had waited before investing in my Pioneer 106 for my desktop.....oh well.....what's money if you cant spend it!

[VinnySem]

Just get an external enclosure kit for the 106. A kit that offers both USB 1.1/2.0 and Firewire can be had for around $70. Much cheaper than a whole second burner.

[Hacker_Girl]

does that connect to my burner on my desktop to enable me to use it on my laptop (am very new to this)

[VinnySem]

It's a kit that converts an internal drive to an external drive, so you can use your Pioneer 106 on both machines (you'd have to take it out of your desktop).

Here's a link to one:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=17-145-316&depa=1

They're real easy to set up, as easy as installing a drive in a desktop. They're hot swappable too, so you can swap the drive back and forth between computers without powering down or rebooting.

[handyguy]

I dont know of any laptops that have them inside this is probably cause they would make the machine hot.

[tompika]

I dont know of any laptops that have them inside this is probably cause they would make the machine hot.

Have what inside?

[VinnySem]

It's a kit that converts an internal drive to an external drive, so you can use your Pioneer 106 on both machines (you'd have to take it out of your desktop).

Here's a link to one:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduct.asp?description=17-145-316&depa=1

They're real easy to set up, as easy as installing a drive in a desktop. They're hot swappable too, so you can swap the drive back and forth between computers without powering down or rebooting.

Another thing, do your desktop and laptop have either USB 2.0 or Firewire? I don't think USB 1.1 can handle 4X, and possibly you might have problems even @ 2X.

[tompika]

USB1.1 couldn't do anything with my external, I use firewire

[issue24]

Hi I have a Laptop with a built in DVD burner, It's an Acer 1310. Don't know if it will do both as i only use DVD-r on the laptop and my desk top, Hope this helps

[tompika]

There is no dual format laptop DVD Writer

[salami]

so...er...let me re-word my original question....anyone any laptops that come with a dual format dvd-writer
thanks!

Sony has a few that come with dual format burners:

PriceGrabber
Circuit City
Sony Site

[tompika]

Sorry there is.

Just came out?

[tompika]

I knew they had this slim dual external

But I didnt know they put it in a laptop

Sorry, Hacker_Girl

[The village idiot]

That slim drive is tasty Too bad it is so much money.

I agree with the masses. Just put your 106 in an external box, and get firewire for your desktop computer (if it doesn't have it), and a firewire pcmcia card for you new laptop (if it doesn't have it). That should save you a bunch of money, even after buying the firewire cards and enclosure.

What's the price differenc for the laptop you are looking at with a DVD writer, and just a DVD-ROM dirve? If it is more than $200USD then you should at least break even. Might not be as convenient, but will still get the job done.

[andkiich]

idiot wrote:

That slim drive is tasty

Dude! That took me right back to "Better Of Dead". Don't know if anyone remembers that John Cusack gem.

Thanks for the laugh.

[preacher238]

"I want my TWO DOLLARS!!!"

"TWO DOLLARS!!!"



Classic!

[handyguy]

"Have what inside?"

A dvd writer, but I see that Sony Vaio does....most cost a mint?