Sony DWU18 Dual Layer Drive for $80 @ Newegg

[Mortomer]

Read this over at the deals forum and does anyone know if this is the same thing as the DRU-730A? The specs seem the same but the DWU18 is half the price. I'd like to get one from newegg if it is the same thing as the DRU-730A or at least the same quality.

Anyone know?

Thanks

[sumibas]

- Specifications -

Write Speed: 40X CD-R, 24X CD-RW, 8X DVD+R, 4X DVD+RW, 4X DVD-R, 2X DVD-RW
Read Speed: 40X CD-ROM/CD-R, 12X DVD-ROM
Interface: Internal IDE/ATAPI
Buffer: 2MB
OS Support: Windows XP/ME/2000/98SE
Features: Buffer Underrun Protection Technology
Packaging: OEM Bulk Pack no Software included (see pictures for details)

Model#: DWU18A Black
Item#: N82E16827131221


This is the spec from newegg. i dont see a Dual layer Burning in there. and as far as i know this model is not capable of dual layer , it is dual format drive (burn +R and -R )

[ViRaL1]

Newegg has the D18A for $79 which is DVDR+DL, not the U18A.

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?DEPA=0&description=27-131-233&ATT=CD+DVD...C-pr1c3grabb3r

info here

https://www.videohelp.com/dvdwriters.php?DVDnameid=662&Search=Search&list=0#comments

[Mortomer]

right, I meant the D18A, not sure why I wrote DWU18. But yea, that's the one, for $79, and $1 for shipping. Is the "D18A" the same thing as the DRU-730A? Does anyone know?

It looks differently from the front, but i'm more concerned with what is inside.

Thanks

[DVDDave]

it is a LITE ON 832S. when you get it, you may want to upgrade the firmware to lite on firmware.

[code65536]

They're finally selling the D18A? Cool. Much cheaper than the 700A or 832S, it would seem.

Been seeing references to the D18A for months now, but this is the first that I've heard it being sold.

If anyone gets the D18A, please dump the firmware and e-mail it to me (see the link in my sig for my e-mail). TIA.

[Madz]

If it's the OEM version of the 700A which, in turn, is just a rebadged LO832, then it should have bitsetting capability, yes? If so, I'd be tempted to try it out if I can get a few DL's from Sony for 9 bucks or so. Doesn't say whether it comes w/ software (Nero 6.3x) on Newegg, but it's being sold on eBay, too, and they say it does.

[code65536]

Dunno about bitsetting in the official D18A firmware as I don't have a copy of it yet. Remember, Sony pulled bitsetting support from the VY05 firmware. But that's just Sony being a bunch of jackasses. The LiteOn firmwares all have bitsetting support, so you could just flash to a LO firmware if the official Sony firmware seems to be jacked up.

[handyguy]

Its probably a OEM, so you can't use the regular firmware updates. That was the case with other Sony OEM models. Also, check at:
https://www.videohelp.com/dvdwriters