Just a thought. If u were to say wait until 4x media is at the price that u consider cheap enough than the drive will be cheaper and the compatibility problems might even be worked out. Or the next generation drives might be out. Remember when we were stuck at 2x then 4x then from 6x to 8x was like a few months. 12x was around for awhile but after 24x it all went kinda fast after that. My point is if you only buy the drive to say I have a 4x and u only have a 2x, but u only burn at 2x kinda a wast of money. Media prices will come down and more players will hit the market, just new guys do not rush to get the fastest drive if u are not going to use it for the purpose it was made for 4x to burn at 4x why else upgrade. This might not be the right form and if not I am sorry to waste your time. I just remember when I got my fist drive cost $1,300 dollars back then. (CDR only no RW) pinnacle drive. Also if u look at the past the drives fall in price way faster than the media.