"oem" dvd writer`s

[taurusthebull]

i`m thinking about buying a dvd writer, but i noticed some of the writers are listed as "oem". what does this mean?

[EnemyWithin]

"OEM" hardware is meant to be sold in quantity to computer manufacterers. Therefore, "OEM" hardware does not come in a retail package and it may not include everything that the retail package has (cables, software, blank discs, etc). "OEM" hardware also typically has a shorter warranty period than retail, but not necessarily. It all depends on the kind of hardware and who the manufacturer is. Also, some manufacturers will not provide technical support for "OEM" hardware.

If you are comfortable around computers and basically know what you are doing, then you might consider saving money and getting the "OEM" part. If you require hand-holding, then definately get the retail packaged part.

[taurusthebull]

hey, thanks for the info. i can buy a pioneer dvd 104 for $249.99, but says it`s oem. i wanted to make sure i wasn`t asking for trouble. thanks!

[Niceone]

i have a 104 oem myself, as expected it comes bare, with no screws, ide cable or software, i think the only software that comes with the 104 is some dvd player like windvd or powerdvd

[Down1oader]

i got nero 5.5 with mine, and i upgraded it easily to 5.9.9.9 from a download off a certain site

[mbellot]

I just bought a "psuedo" OEM Pioneer 104, its a Cendyne DVD-R/RW from Office Max.

It was the best of both worlds, $250 (actually $275 after tax and $50 mail in rebate) so the price was lower than a "retail" A04 drive.

But it came with software (Nero, WinDVD and MyDVD), cables (audio/soundcard and IDE), screws, and even one (1) DVD-RW disc.

In fact, the only item not included from the "retail" Pioneer package was some goofy plastic "emergency eject" doodad. I've been using paper clips (large variety) for over a decade - who needs some cheap plastic thing.

So far no probs, so I would definitely recommend saving the bucks for media (can you say OUCH! ?)

[drewson99]

104, I love it. wanted the A04 for so long, when I saw the 104 and heard it was the same immediately bought it.

Also, mine came with 1 pink 2X DVD-r (i believe it is a pioneer)

[twinegar]

Pioneer offers firmware upgrades for the A03 & A04. Where do you get the upgrades for the 103 & 104?