Pioneer A08...OEM or Retail?

[Prot]

Is there any advantage to buying retail package over the OEM verision?
I would like to replace my A06 with an A08. I really don't need anything other than the drive as I have all necessary cabling and software. The price is right on the OEM, but are there any other advantages that I can't think of that would make me decide on the retail version?

Also, one other quick question. Is the A08 going to be able to be flashed when DVD-R DL becomes available?

Thanks for any responses.

[888888]

If you have all the necessary software, and you don't want more, the OEM is a fine as long as you don't care about not having a pretty box.

I went out of my way to buy a retail version burner and there was really no point to it. I got an outdated version of Nero, a severly crippled version of NERO, and a tiny piece of paper "manual". Pioneer may be different but I doubt it.

Warranties may be a different too but again, it may vary on the manufacturer.

Also, one other quick question. Is the A08 going to be able to be flashed when DVD-R DL becomes available?

Maybe. But by that time, we will all be living on the moon and watching movies using chips implanted into our brains.

From everything I have heard about DL in general, there is not much point to it because of the coming of newer technology like Blu-Ray and the complicated manufacturing process. I would not worry about it.

[joepic]

Does $74 for a Pioneer Beige DVD +/-RW Drive, Model DVR-108 OEM drive sound like a good deal? Then forget the extras and buy one here:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-129-156&depa=0

[Bodyslide]

I got my OEM 108 from newegg for 82.00 a few months ago and guess what they sent me the retail version.

[tacoman97x]

I got mine for 82$ as well, OEM with a manuel.. just get nero 6.6.0.1 and make sure Atapi drivers are installed and your set.. I also got nil's firmware.. it's great.. turns crappy CMC media +R's into decent burns unlike most burners.. I also burn many Mcc DVD-R's at 12x and Ricohjpn DVD+R's at 12x without a hitch.

[dun4cheap]

Well Pioneer supports the reail directly, but FW are easily found for both. I have 4 108's which I paid $69 for each. All of them were OEM, I purchased the retail version of Nero Ultra which had enough mail in rebates to make it free. So who needs the software.

[Prot]

The Newegg price is what I was referring to. Sounds like when the time comes to buy it, I will get the OEM. I have latest version of Nero, and will just swap out the drive. My brother will become the recipient of the A06.
Thanks for the responses.