assistance needed in purchase of an external dvd rewriter

[thecrock]

My friend has bought a new pc and wants to add a new dvd burner to his set-up, the pc is still well within warranty so he doesn't want to go tinkering around inside and voiding it. What he wants is something to plug into usb ports and be able to write for most standalone dvd players, anybody have any suggestions?

[Cobra]

I've moved you to the computer forum.

Why would adding a DVD rewriter void the warranty? You've got to be able to upgrade your machine - it's a reasonable enough thing for manufacturers to expect. All that is involved is four screws, a power lead and a data lead. I can install one in three minutes flat. They're usually a no-fuss installation - Windows sees them and just accepts them. I'm not quite sure if this is the case with an external USB or FireWire drive.

If you would like a very good internal drive, try a Pioneer DVR-109 as it supports all formats (including the upcoming DVD-R dual-layer format) and Pioneers are very reliable drives.

If you're sure that you don't want an internal drive then I'm sure some other people here have excellent advice to give you.

[thecoalman]

I'm not quite sure if this is the case with an external USB or FireWire drive.

Besides the fact they are 1/3 more to double the cost of an internal unit and will not perform nearly as well. If you absolutely need a external unit try the tools section, you should find something suitable there with users comments.

As for voiding the warranty...... I haven't seen that in years. I know the larger companies such as HP, Gateway used to have that policy but I'm not aware of any that do that now..... What if you need to do simple maintenance such as dust removal which is common practice to keep up with? Out of curiosity do you know the vendor?

[hellbringer]

u could call the vendor and tell them your situation they might let it slide, while on the phone if they still say no offer this other solution:

tell them you will have a computer repair shop install the drive for you. maybe that will change things i dunno.

if your wanting an external drive there is a third option i believe.

they make external boxes that you can buy which have usb cables connected to them and you can put a internal hard drive in it and use it as an external with this box. they might make one for burners as well.

this is suggested only because it is bound to save you about $80. if they make it.

[thecrock]

I thought that it was standard practice for the warranty to be void if you broke the seals on the pc to gain access. So external drives are not as reliable?

[thecoalman]

I thought that it was standard practice for the warranty to be void if you broke the seals on the pc to gain access. So external drives are not as reliable?

It was years ago...... did he look to see if there was a seal? Does it say warranty void if removed? Moist likely even if there is a seal it won't void the warranty, have him call the manufacturer to find out.

I don't think it's a case of less reliable but more a case of less performance for more cost.

[pfh]

He could always make one. Newegg.com-> NEC 3520a + Bytecc external case ~$80 total.

[Cobra]

As I say, it is reasonable enough for an end-user to upgrade his or her PC. A new optical drive really isn't a big deal at all, and they probably won't care.

If you're really worried about it, I will get my digital camera out and I will make you a complete, illustrated guide to removing the old drive and putting your new one in. I'm sure there are loads hanging about the Internet, but if you want one just for you then you are most welcome.

[thecoalman]

but if you want one just for you then you are most welcome.

Look out he's reeling you into striking distance.

[ofbarea]

So external drives are not as reliable?

They are as reliable as internal drives. I do prefer firewire over USB2 but that's another discussion.

[thecrock]

Thanks to everyone for the advice, much appreciated. My friend went out and bought an internal drive and fitted it, so far no problems at all.
Thanks again.
peace