Buying a computer dvd writer or waiting

[Farmerbright]

To start out, on the computer homefront, I'm running (walking?) a 475mhz computer, currently with a cd burner. I can capture at 352x480, however, my dvd player won't play a mpg 1 unless its at 320x240, and mp2 the same or svcd or dvd spec ratios. I emailed memorex and they said it "should be compatible" with my computer.

Moving on.. in spite of all that I would like to upgrade to a dvd drive but I'm not sure on the direction to go in. BestBuy has a memorex burner down to $230 after rebates and if you sign up with msn for 2 yrs you can drop it down to a low $30 plus tax. Exciting.

I have, however, read about the apex dvd standalone recorder that will be coming out this fall with hopefully a nicer price than current ones. So you basically have the tradeoff of being able to backup existing dvds and record shows at a low resolution on the computer, vs recording higher quality off tv and dish (albeit in both places without getting that dolby digital signal off the dish, which is disappointing).

I'm tempted to go ahead a get the burner now and still buy a standalone later.

Advice?

[neomaine]

Farmerbright,

If you're looking for a good deal on a great burner, I'd suggest looking at Staple or OfficeMax for double rebates on the Cendyne DVR105 (a Panasonic 105 in disguise. I've had mine for a few weeks and its been absolutely great. Its a 4x DVD-R for US$269 - $50 instant rebate - $50 mail in rebate = $169. Pretty good deal for a great burner. With the $80 you save, you can get an Apex standalone NOW!

[Gil T Pleasure]

Farmerbright,
...Cendyne DVR105 (a Panasonic 105 in disguise...

I'm sure this was just a typo, but the Cyndyne is actually a Pioneer in disguise.

[Farmerbright]

Thanks, guys for the comments. I'll try some other places and see if I can't get a better deal than the one I was looking at.

[vice86]

Neo....you got the 4x burner for 169.99 after rebate? Staples NEVER seems to have the 4x on sale...its always 299.99 and OM only puts the 2x DVD-R on sale for that much after rebates. Unless my local OM store just sucks like that.

[neomaine]

Ooops, the Gil T Pleasure was right. Typo on my part. Should have said the PIONEER...

But the price was right on