Whats the deal with the LiteOn 411s/451s

[Faustus]

Newegg seems to suggest that the 451s is a preplacement for the 411s. I just ordered a 411s tonight (breaking my vow about now buying another DVD burner until dual layer because I want to be able to burn + as well as -) and I'm wondering if there is a chance I'll get a 451s in the box instead.

Also not to start an unfounded rumor but I HEARD from a friend that the 451s might be 8x upgradeable, but after a quick scan of several forums told him I see that info no where and so wouldn't count on it. He has been unable to remember where he read it at.

So I ask, whats up with the 411s/451s?

[MysticE]

The 451 has replaced the 411. Some have tried to flash it with the 811 firmware (I guess they share a few components) and have rendered it inoperable. BestBuy had them for $79 after rebate. Tried one and returned it. Didn't like the cheap feel/sound of it and it didn't like my RitekG03's. If you want it for audio though, it's performance is stellar.

[jtommyj]

I got one at BB also for 79.99 and I LOVE IT. It burns media my Pioneer 104 burns at 1x at 2x and have not made one coaster yet out of about 35 burns. Have burned R+, R-, RW+, RW-, and CD-s. Burns DVD +RW at 4x which is great, burns CD-s @ 40x. I have used Fujfilm 4x - R media (Taiyo Yuden) with no problem along with -R Khypermedia 2x ,Princo 2x, Maxell 2x, Imation 4x +R, Memorex 4x + RW and Ritek G04 4 x all with great results.

Many of the problems I see with this and others drives are the type of thing where someone says "I ordered 500 blank 4x DVD-R's from Rip-offs-are-us for 19.99 and this drive sucks. It can't burn this media".

The 451 is basically the same drive with some newer parts. There is a good chance you'll get that drive and I also saw the posts where people were speculating on the 4x to 8x thing. Time will tell.
Get some good 4x media and enjoy.
I personally don't care how cheap it "feels" and "sounds". I'm on my 3rd RMA'd Pioneer 104 which "felt" solid and "sounded" great but 2 lasers went within 6 months, 1 within 1 week.
So already the Lite-On has been more problem free after just 1 week.

My 2cents

Tom

[Faustus]

Yeah most the complaints I see about the drive usually are along the lines of "It hates my PRINCOS! Kill it with fire!!" and its my understanding that the current Firmware takes care of most Ritek issues. I ordered the drive, and used my BestBuy gift cards from christmas to get a 100 Pack of Fuji +R disc to test with. I went with Fuji because all my minor research seems to suggest that they are using RICOHJPNR01, which for the price was fine by me.

I'm new to + disc at this point but I hear that Ricoh is reliable so thats what I went with.

As far as firmware updateing to another model... just not worth it. If its official I'll do it, otherwise no thanks.

[jtommyj]

Good Luck to you .Enjoy the drive !!

[gmatov]

Flaystus,

Buythe damn thing. If the firmware is not FSOG, flash it. You know you aren't chnging it to another brand.

It is a good 4X any media burner. Ifyou are a + only burner, you just got an inexpensive + burner with the option to burn a - if you gotta. And vice-versa, of course.

I really doubt that the 451 is going to be upgradeable to an 8X. They've only just come out with the 811, the 8X, and, as good as they have been with firmware updates, I doubt they would be able to double the burn rate with firmware.

If they could, would you? And drop sales of the 811 before it even reaally ramped up? A year down the road, yes, I could see it. Not now. Even IF you could get the laser to work twice as fast., andd with increaed power.

Cheers

George

[Faustus]

Actually I already ordered it, I'm just waiting on it to come in. I picked up the 100 pack of Fuji this Sat morning at best buy. And yes I'm a -R guys going dual format now that the price is right.