HP 400i 8x DVD burner...worth it???

[BiggD23]

I have the 300i now which is 4x and I'm considering selling it and getting the new 8x 400i. I have a fast system...P4 2.2 Ghz with 512 MB of RDRAM and when I burn at 4x now my buffer still dips between 91-99% for the entire burn. I'm wondering if I'll be able to burn anywhere close to 8x or if it won't even be worth it. Also, are there any known quality issues burning at that speed? I haven't seen any blank 8x media yet but I'm sure it won't take long. Thanks for any opinions.

[ViRaL1]

8x +R media is availabale and I believe 8x -R media will be available soon, neither will be cheap but some drives (not sure about the 400i) can burn 8x on 4x media. The 400i is technically one of the cheapest 'Major Manufacturer' 8x drives on the market, retailing around $150, but many other +R/-R 8x burners can be had for around the same price or less. One of the favorites here, the NEC 2500D does 8x in both formats for around $120.

[paulw]

No..

I would now only buy a duel format drive. Single format drives where I live are being firesaled..

[MOVIEGEEK]

No..

I would now only buy a duel format drive. Single format drives where I live are being firesaled..

If your DVD players support +R then why get a dual format?
I would go for the BenQ DW800A,I have one and I average 6.8x burns with 4x DVD+R. www.CDRINFO.com did a review of the BenQ and gave it high marks,c't magazine has also given it high marks for write quality.You can get one for around $120USD.