Sony DRU 530A or the Plextor PX-708A

[darkcyber]

I have just gotten the Sony DRU 530A (I also have the Sony DRU 500 and really like it), but I read in January 2004 Computer Shopper that the Plextor drive will burn 8x to 4x media. I've tried this with my Sony and it doesn't burn at 8x on the 4x Verbatim media I have.

So, I'm looking for suggestions...owners of both drives, would you please post some input on pros and cons with each drive. Trying to decide whether to return the Sony and get the Plextor.

Many thanks!
DarkCyber

[snarfo]

We have a couple of those Sony dries at work and they are fine... not thrilling, but nice. After buying a 708a for myself at home, however, I immediately bought two more and several of my friends have as well.

The initial firmware releases for the 708a were so-so, but from the 1.02 on up Plextor has made a really good drive damn near perfect. It's also the first dvd burner to burn cds fast enough (40x) to use it as a total solution--- no need to keep a cd burner in your system as well.

Media compatibility has gotten much, much better so I can buy those damn cheap 1x Princo dvd-r blanks and the Plexy burns them at 2x. There is a lot of 4x media that works at 8x, but speed isn't really a big issue for me so I go for cheap.

At the risk of sounding like a Plextor shill, ditch the Sony and get a 708a. You won't regret it.

[darkcyber]

Thanks for the information. Actually the Sony burns cdr's at 40x as well. So, you can burn 2x on 1x cheapo medai...hmmm...not bad.

Is there a wide selection of 4x media that the Plextor will burn at 8x or just a very select few...do you know?

DarkCyber

[budz]

darkcyber wrote:

Is there a wide selection of 4x media that the Plextor will burn at 8x or just a very select few...do you know?

I have the Plextor 708A and have no regrets in buying it. It can burn the CompUsa cheapo Princo 1x DVD-R discs @ 2x. Stay away from Memorex 4x speed DVD+R because some of them are made by manufacturer CMC. IMATION 4X DVD+R which is RICOH burns at 8X. Check Plextors website for media compatibility.
http://www.plextor.com/english/support/media_708Compatible.htm

You can use DVDINFO PRO to find out who actually makes the dvd media. IMATION 4X DVD+R are made by RICOH.

Buy the Plextor 708A it rocks!