External Writers

[steve1173]

Have an HP laptop, looking for an external Dvd -R writer. Seen a few the new Iomega looks interesting, saw a Backpack from Micro Solutions. Any ideas of which to get , these, Sony, Pioneer, etc. Am new to this & will be using DVDxCopy. Thanks.

[rocco]

I want preface my comments by saying these are my opinion and your mileage may vary!

I wanted a burner that I could move between several different computers and went with the Sony DRX510UA. I use the USB 2.0 interface and have been pleased with the performance so far. I'd stay away from iomega, they've generally gotten slammed on performance. I'm also generally wary of off-brands.

The convenience of being able to move it around is worth the small price premium you'll pay. However, the unit is on the large size and it's no featherweight. It wouldn't be suitable for travel.

If you do go the external route, I'd recommed you go with a USB 2.0 or Firewire interface. I've used USB 1.0 CD-RWs in the past and wanted to hang myself because it took so long to burn anything.

AccuPC.com has decent prices on the Sony and other drives.

Good luck.

[rocco]

Wow. Talk about broken human. I just read my post and apologize for the grammatical screw ups.

OBTW, DVDXCopy seems to have a loyal following in the forums. Before you get started, I'd recommend you read all the how tos and tutorials. They'll save you from burning coasters.

Also do your research on blank media. I'm suffering through a batch of marginal +Rs that are driving me nuts.

[tompika]

However, the unit is on the large size and it's no featherweight. It wouldn't be suitable for travel.

Not this one you're talking about, right?

[jdizzy40]

There are several good options out there for you. Sony is a good buy and I would not stray away from Iomega. Contrary to someone's else's comment about it being off brand, Iomega has been making drives for a long time, just recently into the DVD area. I don't know about performance issues. I have also taken an internal drive and placed it in a suitable Firewire/USB 2.0 enclosure. The final choice is going to be down to you. Heck HP just released a new DVD Writer that has a built in capture card so you can go from VHS tape to DVD direct on the fly. The jury is still out and I might look into one of these for a marketing test. I've looked at the Backpack model you mentioned and I would not choose that one, based on who makes and supports it. Good luck

[tandynor]

That MICRO SOLUTIONS backpack drive is actually a NEC 1100a. How do I know? Because I have the same one! And its my best friend. I havnt had a single problem with it. its a 4x burner and writes to DVD+R, DVD+RW.

[hhamzeh]

Hi,
there is also a new external DVD burner DVR-S606 by Pioneer and it was supposed to be available in the market by mid september. I have not seen it on any local or line store untill today though. Anybody knows a place in North America that has this burner in stock?

[ReDlxn72]

http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/products/story/0,24330,3509477,00.html

TDK Indi DVD USB2/FireWire

Take a look at the TDK burner they have there, they said that it 2nd only to the Sony, which i bought,but wasn't external