For those who missed the Pikaone....

Cortes

Has anybody actually gone for the Ultima at Amazon, and if so what's it like?

Trying to get hold of a pretty decent quality DVD Writer for my folks and want a retail version that has everything included. I have the NEC 3520A and it's a winner but they're all OEM as far as I can see.

TheChillPill

Got mine yesterday - can't fault it at all, haven't had any coasters anyway.

oldagetraveller

A quick question from a p.c. ignoramus! My p.c. has a c.d. writer separate from dvd/cd reader. Is it a simple matter to just replace the existing cd writer with a dvd writer without much trouble? Using Windows XP so would new hardware be recognised without further action necessary or does the new writer come with software requiring installation.
I have no spare slots available so changing cd writer for dvd writer will be necessary, I did fit extra usb sockets in the one spare slot that was in the computer case front so the actual "nuts and bolts" isn't a problem.

TheChillPill

Yes, it will be as straightforward as taking the old drive out and sticking the new drive in. As you are using WinXP, that will recognise it and you won't need any other drivers etc.

This may not make sense to you, but worth a mention anyway - with a DVD Writer always try to have it on it's own 'channel' - that means that the cable going from the back of the drive should go into the motherboard without being connected to any other devices (in alot of cases the cable also connects to the hard drive).

Don't worry about that if it makes no sense, or if it can't be changed - it will still run fine, performance is just a bit better if it isn't running via something else.

Triple_S_2

Ebuyer does the Nec (in black or beige) for £36.24 delivered (choose the supersaver postage). Highly recommended drive -- Some of the cheaper non unknown branded have given me trouble (I build Pc's for friends) compatitbility with cheap discs, burning problems etc.

pault123

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/ProductInfo.aspx?ProductID=8975&GroupID=42

does this look any good?

Paul

TheChillPill

No, DVD writing speed is only 4x. All DVD Writers will also write regular CD's aswell (not sure if you realised that?).

Add the delivery cost onto that and it works out more expensive than the Ultima.

Back in the mid-90's Ricoh were top-line, but then alot of faults started showing on their line, now they are very much 'also rans'.

Rave

TheChillPill wrote:

This may not make sense to you, but worth a mention anyway - with a DVD Writer always try to have it on it's own 'channel' - that means that the cable going from the back of the drive should go into the motherboard without being connected to any other devices (in alot of cases the cable also connects to the hard drive).

If oldagetraveller's computer has a CDRW and a DVD-Rom, then it's likely that both optical drives will be on the secondary IDE channel.

TheChillPill

Rave wrote:

If oldagetraveller's computer has a CDRW and a DVD-Rom, then it's likely that both optical drives will be on the secondary IDE channel.

It would really depend on who built it - if it is a Tiny system (or similar) for example, then yes it would be likely they would both be on the same channel.

For some reason, I had actually assumed he only had one optical drive though (no idea why!).

Rick's_Bugs_&_Buses

Hi All

Just about to buy myself an NEC 3520 from Ebuyer, and am wondering what brand/where to purchase the dvd discs, so I can back up some of my pre-recorded discs? I know from talking to friends there seems to be good and bad discs available. What spec of disc do I need to buy to a) back up movies & b) to be able to save the 8Gb of info (i.e photos)
So can someone please point me in the direction of a supplier!

Also can I just use the original ribbon cable that connects to the current cd drive, or does it need updating with a new one?

What is the best software to get for the best results please? (I am running XP)

And finally where can I get the best deals on ordinary blank cd/s?

Thanks in advance .... Rick