opinion about Lite On sohw-1673sx???

[twister6]

I have no experience with dvdr drives, and currently looking for an external usb2 compatible dual layer +/- format dvd burner for my laptop, something on a budget too. Also, I want to buy it from a local store so I can return/exchange in case these is a problem.

So, I came across Lite On SOHW-1673SX model at CircuitCity fro $109. Is that a good buy? Does anybody have any experience with it? Can you recommend me something similar or cheaper or should I just go for it? I want something on a budget, but at the same time reliable burner. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!!!

[budz]

Check out the LITEON FORUM at CdFreaks.com. I'm sure you'll be able to get some reviews or comments at that the LITEON FORUM.

[twister6]

I will check it.

So, can anybody else recommend me a reliable and cheap extrenal dvd burner?

[chas0039]

I would go with the Liteon 1693 external at Newegg.com
I have the internal drive and with the KS09 firmware it is a much better burner than previous Liteons.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106991

[twister6]

I would go with the Liteon 1693 external at Newegg.com
I have the internal drive and with the KS09 firmware it is a much better burner than previous Liteons.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106991

I just compared spec for 1693 and 1673, and it looks almost identical, hmm... I would prefer to buy it directly from a local store, just in case. Will that kso9 firmware update is only for 1693, but not 1673?

[code65536]

The 1673S(X) and 1693S(X) are identical in hardware (and except for the fact that the external SX versions are encased in an external enclosure, the internal "S" and external "SX" drives and firmwares are 100% identical). Their firmwares are virtually identical, too; the 1673S firmwares are based on the 1693S firmwares and the only difference is that the 1673S firmwares have DVD-R DL disabled, but since there is very little reason to use -R DL instead of +R DL (assuming that you even want to pay the premium for DL media), this is not a significant difference.

Because they use the same hardware, you can fairly easily convert a 1673S into a 1693S if you really wanted to...

You will find more information here:
http://codeguys.rpc1.org/dvdrw_overview.html

[twister6]

Thank you for this informative reply!!!