Need new burner advice-Plextor Quit on me..

[Jonathan]

I have a Plextor PX-108 and I think I've finally worn it out. I'm having trouble reading even new dvd's. I was looking at the PX116, but have heard some bad reviews.

Can someone recommend a good replacement? I've always used Plextor and/or Lite-on.

Not sure which way to go? How abot the Plextor PX-112???

Help greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[Stormin Norman]

Look in "My Computer" and see if your pc see's the drive itself. Might wanna Google your drive for firmware updates. Its not that hard, usually they have detailed instructions on how to do it. Just taking a few stabs.

[Jonathan]

I have the latest firmware and the drive is recognized. I've done all of the standard checks.

[wwjd]

NEC 3520 - Newegg.com for $37 This site rates it very highly and so do the people who bought it from Newegg.

[Jonathan]

wow, I'll check that out. What a price.

[rumplestiltskin]

DVR-109 Pioneer. It's what Apple uses in it's PowerMacs. I've put one into my Shuttle. Works great. About $50 delivered from NewEgg.

[Bodyslide]

Pioneer 110 for 65.00+ shipping

http://www.shop4tech.com/user.htm?go=view_item&id=4070&cata=&s_cata=

[Jonathan]

I wonder what the difference between the 109 and the 110?

[Bodyslide]

This link shows some info on the differences.

http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=144339

[lordsmurf]

I would say get the Pioneer 109. $50 from newegg.
Easily the best drive on the market right now.

As far as the 110, almost the same as the 109. Just some higher DL speeds, when media doesn't exist or isn't available easily anyway. And in fact, the next 109 firmware made add those same DL speeds according to papers being added to recent ones (according to another VH poster).

The Plextor was never a super drive. Laser probably died.

You can always clean it first, see if it's maybe just dirty.

[Jonathan]

At that price, I'm gonna chuck it, and try the Pioneer. I feel like a traitor, I've used Plextor for so long, but....

[Bodyslide]

Edit, sorry had a link to the drive but, New Egg is cheaper than the link I had.

[Jester700]

The NEC 3520 has been superceded by the 3540.

Also, the new Benq DW1640 is out, and seems to be very well liked, if you don't mind chancing a brand that wasn't top-tier in the past.

[wwjd]

The 3540 may be out but the 3520 is still available.