What DVD Writer to Buy?

callansdad

Hi, im about to purchase a dvd burner/writer ... but i have no idea what is the things to look out for.

Can i have some advice?

The only thing that i do know is that i would prefer an external one cause it saves me faffing about inside the machine.

Cheers

MoneyWastingMe

Personally, the best drive IMO is a Pioneer DVR-109. They are very compatiable and very good drives all round, you mostly find them internally, but there are a few places that have an external one, If your use it with the PC just get an internal one, its very very easy to fit!

My Recommendation is the DVR-109

wolfman

From reviews the LG GSA 4163 is the best, followed by the NEC ND35xx then the Pioneer DVR-109. The Benq is also meant to be very good.

I personally have the NEC 3500 which has been brilliant. I've built a machine for a housemate which has the LG and that too has been great. I don't think there's a huge difference in performance to be honest, or in cost. You should be able to get any of the above 3 for around £30.

Here's an old post regarding this topic:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=74671&highlight=writer

callansdad

cheers for that.....

What about software? Is nero the best?

Tharweb

If you buy a "Retail" version rather than an "OEM" version you will probably get writing software like Nero with the drive.

I have used both Roxio and Nero (more recently). I found Nero to be much more user friendly. Others may disagree, it's down to personal choice.

It's really not that bad installing an internal drive, lots of help available...well I managed it and felt very proud of myself when it actually worked!

wolfman

Nero and Alcohol 120% are generally seen as the best two writing packages available. BlindWrite is another good one. Nero or Alcohol would be my advice though, preferably Alcohol.

Altarf

I have a LG GSA-4163 and have had no problems with it at all, with it reading and burning everything I have thrown at it. I bought this specific drive as it will read and write RAM disks as well as the more normal +-R & RW.

For a cheap but legal version of a slightly older version of Nero - http://www.savastore.com/productinfo/product.aspx?catalog_name=Savastore&product_id=10248391&pid=44

moomintroll_3

I'd recommend a Pioneer DVR-109 as well. Put one in the mac a while ago and blown away with how fast and compatible it is, especially given that it's cheap.

G

Hobo_2

Nero 6 + updates £5.95 inc p&p E-Bay