Which external DVD Burner to Buy?

[Furay]

Hi Guys!

I am gonna get an external DVD burner. Cost is not an issue. I want something that is good for data backup and video recording (so I was leaning to DVD+R) but also want it to backup PS2 games for my v7 console (so DVD-R).

I was looking at the latest Sony external combo (DVD +/- RW): DRX510UL, (external version of the DRU510A) but have heard some bad things about it (ie Toms Hardware).
Also looked at the Plexter PX-708UF (external version of the PX-708A), as I have heard many good things about the internal drive, but again, have read bad reviews: http://reviews.designtechnica.com/r...4_main2968.html
Also have been suggested the Pioneer DVR-S606 (the external version of the A06), haven't seen many reviews, but heard lots about the A06.

Which external burner do you guys recommend? I am tearing my hair out trying to decide, at the moment I am leaning towards the Pioneer.


Does anyone own any of these drive and can comment on it, or lead me to some reviews of these drives? Or any other suggestions on which other drive to get? I want a proper external, not an internal with casing.

Any help from your knowledgeable minds will will be much appreciated,

Thanks,

Furay.

[jeddah_superstar]

I have the Poineer A06 modfied to external drive firewire and USB2
u can get this external enclousr and put it in any drive you like.
From my own experince , Poineer is very solid drive ,and it reads any movies ,and it writes in any media i thrugh in it.
i have friends the have the Sony , NEC,...etc. I am proud to tell you some times they come to my house just for the sake to use my drive .

[draganong]

I have one Pioneer A106 and one A104 in external USB2 enclosures. They work great. You could check www.pricewatch.com for prices for the A106 ($145) and the enclosure ($36) and build one...

/dragan

[erayboul]

I have the newest Lacie DVD burner, the d2 DVD +/- R/RW, which is simply a Pioneer DVR-106 in a Firewire/USB2 enclosure. As a matter of fact, it reports itself to Easy CD Creator, TMPGenc DVD Author and other applications as a "PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-106D". I have it connected to USB2 on my laptop computer, and I haven't had any problems yet. I've burned two data DVDs (one on Memorex media, and one on Maxell media.). I've also burned a DVD-Video using TMPGenc DVD Author to Maxell DVD-RW media (without problem). I have also used it to rip a DVD and many CDs, and I've used the CD-R burning capabilities. The only problem that I have had was with the Memorex data DVD. When Roxio Easy CD Creator proceeded to verify the files, it reported that there were errors, and sure enough, certain files could not be read by the Lacie nor my other DVD-ROM drive. I attribute the errors to the Memorex media, because I have had problems with that media on my Panasonic DMR-HS2 stand-alone DVD recorder. Here in the US, I ordered the Lacie burner from ecost.com for $280 plus S & H. You will want to visit www.lacie.com for more information about the DVD burner.

Ned Raybould
Columbus, OH, USA

[ps2daddy]

I have one Pioneer A106 and one A104 in external USB2 enclosures. They work great. You could check www.pricewatch.com for prices for the A106 ($145) and the enclosure ($36) and build one...

/dragan

I agree 100%

Pioneer A06 $130
http://www.esbuy.com/pidvpreorno.html

Case $29
http://galaxy3000.com/items.asp?CartId={7FCCFB90-2CF7-4E62-8EA3-6DB1F8D85AD9}&Cc=EXEN&Tp=

[coyote]

If you are leaning towards +r, I have the external hp.
I like it because it is both firewire and usb2 in one unit. Gives me lots of options

[grossjamesh]

I have the Sony DRX510UL and I am very pleased with the quality and performance of this unit. The unit is well built and quite. The software that came bundled works well. I mostly use the RecordNow SW. I've feed it DVD-r, DVD+r, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, HP, TDK. Memorex, cheap stuff and it all works. I have not had a single DVD that I have made that wouldn't play on my DELL Latitude, Emerson combo or Apex 1100. I have upgraded to the 1.0c firmware. I highly recommend this unit.

[Vanderlow]

The Plextor and the Pioneer are the two best quality writing burners out there....either one of those.

[Furay]

Thanks for the info guys, I guess I will get the Pioneer (a higher percentage of people lean towards this drive), but then I still like the sounds of the Plexter.


I'll let you know what I decide, and how I go,

Cheers,

Furay.

[classfour]

If someone is looking for a DVD-R/DVD-RAM drive on a budget, contact me. I've got a Que! portable with firewire and PCMIA card for a laptop.
The drive is a Panasonic, and will also play (rip) DVDs for those without an internal drive. My desktop already has a burner, so this is surplus.

I'll sell the pair for $100 + shipping (your choice).

email me for details.

classfour@juno.com