Which burner should I choose...??? (eternal question)

[Naith]

Hi

I've set my heart on the Pioneer 108 after week after week of searching the net & talking with friends.

However I saw the Benq DW1620 for €60 which is €18 cheaper than the Pioneer. The NEC3500 is just a tad more expensive than the Benq too.

So the question is should I stick with my original decision or go with the Benq & save a few 'quid'? I already have 50 DVD-R discs... My main concern is good quality burns & good compatibility.

Many thanks


Nat

[SLICK RICK]

Spend a little more and get the quality Pioneer 108.

[bazooka]

Pioneer makes great burners.

I suggest the pioneer.

[jimmalenko]

I've got 3 different Pioneer drives and they've all been fantastic - I've only ever used DVD-R media with them FWIW.

[lenti_75]

I still use my Nec 1100....

[jimmalenko]

I still use my Nec 1100....

Thanks for sharing

[Skith]

Pioneer excells at the -R/RW media. 16x recording with the 108 is actually takes longer than most other drives at 12x.

The BenQ 1620 performs better with + (plus) media, and is getting better with -R/RW with every firmware update. The BenQ also "officially" supports "bitsetting" to DVD-ROM, as well as allowing a large number of media to be "overspeed." (example: Taiyo Yuden 8x +R media rated at 8x can be recorded at 16x). The BenQ is also records media faster.

The NEC3500A (I would hold off, the NEC 3520 is on the way - see www.cdrinfo.com). I have the NEC, it is a great drive. There is also a huge amount of "unofficial" support for this drive - in the form of "hacked/modified/enhanced" firmwares. *modified firmwares will VOID ANY WARRANTY!*

Check out the respective forums at http://club.cdfreaks.com (under DVD-Writers - there are forums for each manufacturer).

*Note about bitsetting/booktype. Many people consider it a requirement if they are burning +R DL media. It also improves compatability of +R (single layer) media in stand alone players to the same level as -R media. ***This is OPINION based on the research I have done on the subject. Sources - this site, cdrinfo.com, cdfreaks.com, cdrlabs.com, and more.

good luck

[steve2713]

My two NECs have been awesome burners (1300 and 2500).

[Heff]

The BenQ dw1620 is more touchy in what external case you use, if you get this burner, you'll have to do some research which external case to get.