NEC 1300a died - (help pick a new drive)

[Cupitsoul]

I bought a Verbatim producer 44 aka (NEC-1300a). Installed the drive and upgraded my firmware ASAP. I had burned like 12 DVD-video, and like 7 xbox backups using both Fujifilm 4x, and TDK 4x brands of media. They all came out fine until yesterday Xbox backup are all still working great, but the last 3 DVD-videos I backed-up were skipping and making what looked to be pixelated boxes when played from my Stand alone JVC-S300, Sony DVD, and the xbox itself.

*****
I used NEC-1300a with DVD shrink 2.3, DVD DeCrypter, and Nero 6.0.0.19
*****

I returned the drive and my other choices are as follows::

Sony DRU-510a
TDK 440n

Unless there is another drive available for a decent price that likes at least 3 types of media. I use +R media for my DVD's, and XBOX back-ups!

I like TDK, and Fujifilm but I see alot of people are swaying towards the G04 Riteks media.

OK, basically my question is what is a decent drive (that won't crap out in 2weeks like my old NEC-1300a) that cost less than or equal to $200. I would like to be able to back up my DVD's, xbox games, and data backups as well.

Want to purchase a new drive ASAP......thanks for any help you may provide.

[idlertire]

The TDK 440n is the exact same drive as the NEC 1300a.I think you just got a bad drive.by what I have read the NEC is a really good drive.that Sony drive is good too.

[noki]

Cupitsoul
that's right...think you got a lemon. 1300a fantastic burner ...but not so great a reader
BTW which firwware did you upgrade to? 1.08? or hacked 1.07x?

[Cupitsoul]

I was using 1.08 firmware. Whats the difference between the two?

[SLICK RICK]

If you order online, you can get a Pioneer A06 for under $200.

SLICK RICK

[Synergy]

If you order online, you can pretty much choose any internal model you want for $200, even the Plextor PX-708A is only a few dollars over $200:

http://www.accupc.com/nextPreviousPage.jsp?mode=category&totalNum=15&currentPage=2&que...VD/RW%20Drives

Of course the price will be much higher if bought from the retail stores.

[Dawn of the Dead Fan]

Why Name Brand.........Some of the Cheapos Work just as good.

I have the Digital Research DDVDRW4.....I think this is a Great burner.
Sells for about $109 after rebates at Best Buy