NEC ND3500a OEM Question

[usaf64]

Fellow DVD'ers,

I', in the process--after wifes approval, to purchase a new CPU from Dell. However, their 16X internal DVD Writer didn't write to DVD-R medial. At least, thats what I thought after reading their spec's. It only did the DVD+R/RW.

I just acquired a stand-a-lone DVR (JVC DR-M10) that writes to DVD-R, and DVD-RW. So after reading this Forum on what folks seem to like, the NEC ND-3500A seemed like a logical alternative. I still would like to confirm that:

1. The NEC does write to DVD-R and DVD-RW.

2. It is fairly straight forward to install.

3. If I purchase the "OEM" version, what do I NOT get? (what will I need to purchase).

4. If the OEM comes with a version of NERO, will that software and the DVDShrink program be all I need to back up my current DVD's?

Thanks again for any advice!

[johns0]

Nero and dvdshrink is all you need.Nero express comes with the oem version and yes to question 1&2.

[DVDDave]

i could be wrong but doesn't the OEM Dell version only burn +R media??? if so, you can only burn DVD+R. if you flash the firmware with hacked firmware, you will be able to burn to both types of media.DVD+/-R. i bought the Maddog version at officemax for next to nothing. i flashed it with hacked NEC firmware from liggy that works great.

[chas0039]

You should avoid the OEM at Dell because of potential firmware problems and price. Get the OEM from Newegg if you want the best deal. Do a little searching and you will find the OEM version of Nero 6, complete, for about $4 delivered.

[DVDDave]

i was lucky--after price matching and instant rebates--i was out of pocket $49.99 and am expecting a $20 mail in rebate bringing total cost to $29.99. DELL is very propiertary and chas0039 is right, AVOID A DELL VERSION!!

[chas0039]

i was lucky--after price matching and instant rebates--i was out of pocket $49.99 and am expecting a $20 mail in rebate bringing total cost to $29.99. DELL is very propiertary and chas0039 is right, AVOID A DELL VERSION!!

You may have a better price but you will always have the shame of owning a drive named Maddog. Don't try to hide behind a fancy firmware...we know the truth!!!

[DVDDave]

hey---i have more $$$$ in my pocket than the guy who's gonna get it thru newegg!!!! i peeled off the MADDOG lables and wrote NEC-3500AG with a sharpie. now it's official!!! i have an NEC!!!

[chas0039]

You don't fool me you are just a closet Maddoger. I know that the extra $20 I paid is worth every penny. I know that their bubble wrap was grade A. Of course my drive never said anything on the front ....hmmm, maybe I need a sharpie too. I'll have to check with NEC so I can get the official NEC ink. I just know it will make a big difference!

[DVDDave]

chas0039----you slay me!!!! although, grade a bubble wrap could be a good thing. i got a pretty Maddog box, some foam on each end, a plastic bag, and some software discs that i threw out. by the way, what do people like us with all the good/real software we have, do with the crap that is packaged with hardware?? i don't mean that as a knock on anyone, but what a waste of some of the crap i toss out. i'd go and donate it if there were a place to do so.

[samijubal]

I don't know about the NEC, but the Maddog Toshiba I got had a 2 year warranty, NEC only gives 1 year.