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Need some help finding/choosing DVD Burner for laptop.
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Senior Member
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24. November 2006 @ 17:29 |
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Hello.
Okay, so I'm needing some assistance in finding and choosing a good DVD Burner for my laptop. I've searched a few sites here an there, but the slim type drives are not that easily found, plus I'd like a few opinions since I'm sure others know more about DVD Burners than I do. So if anyone could be nice enough to help me out I might send you e-cookie. :D I'd say the price they(yeah I'm not buying) are willing to pay is about $70-110 USD. Hoping I can find something decent for those prices. :)
My specs, if they are needed:
Alienware Area-51m 5500
1.73 GHz Processor
512 RAM
Windows Media Center Edition 2005
Any assistance is very appreciated.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 24. November 2006 @ 17:31
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Moderator
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24. November 2006 @ 18:10 |
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Hey Niobis
Well laptop burners - just my 2 cents but not as good as their counterparts. Also as you've seen not as many options.
Just don't have the stamina as the 'regular' drives in a tower.
I will be needing a new one too for my laptop but 1st will go the external burner route - may want to look at that opinion.
Normally I would recommend LiteOn or Plextor but laptops different ball game :)
Check out some of these at newegg. The Sony is an oem LiteOn. Looking thru the reviews of these drives - pretty hit or miss.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLis...E&SubCategory=5
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Senior Member
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24. November 2006 @ 18:26 |
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Hello binkie7, actually, I love the idea of getting an external burner. That way I can have 2 drives, plus I won't have to open the case. :) I was looking at a LiteOn external on TigerDirect, but I don't know much about burners so I decided to ask. Got any recommendations for an external?
Thanks for the link, but I have one question. Does it matter if it is 'IDE' or 'ATAPI'? Will either be compatible?
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 24. November 2006 @ 18:31
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Moderator
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24. November 2006 @ 19:03 |
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lol - I know the feeling about opening the case on a laptop :) The screws on mine are so small I'd probably strip them before I got them out.
IDE/ATAPI are basically the same thing. The drive will connect using the ide channel. So will be compatible.
For the external I'm looking at this 2 -leaning more towards the 2nd one (newer model). Just waiting for the xmas bit :)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLis...SubCategory=420
Plextor are great too - but they're almost 3x as much as a LiteOn.
My experience w/ LiteOn over the past few years has been very good so for their prices I think I'll stay w/ them for now.
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Senior Member
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24. November 2006 @ 19:25 |
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I'm liking the top one a lot. :) Right now, it's on top my list, but I'm going to continue to look around some more on my own also. Thank you a lot for the links. When I make a choice, I'll let you know before I purchase and get your opinion if that's alright.
Edit: what do you think about Kanguru, any good? They have some sexy looking drives. :)
Also, you said slim type's didn't last long, does that also apply for external? 'Cause I found this: which I absolutely love the look.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/...2149200&CatId=0
Your opinions on that one...?
Thanks again.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 24. November 2006 @ 19:39
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Moderator
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24. November 2006 @ 19:47 |
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Not a problem Niobis :)
I'm kinda in the same boat as you on the ole laptop one needing to be replaced at some point. The burners in the pc's are fine but would still like a better one for the laptop. (less problematic)
Kanguru - that's a new one! Looks like they don't always make their own drives - 1 made by NEC another by Pioneer:
http://www.videohelp.com/dvdwriters.php?...0&Search=Search
No experience w/ the external slim line drives - the last external I had took a licking :) I would think though that is probably better than the slimline for laptops but could be wrong. It's also $20 cheaper at newegg btw.
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Senior Member
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24. November 2006 @ 20:01 |
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Quote:
Kanguru - that's a new one! Looks like they don't always make their own drives - 1 made by NEC another by Pioneer:
Hmm, but they are pretty. :)
Quote:
It's also $20 cheaper at newegg btw.
Oh my...it is, lol. Thanks a lot for that, 'cause I think if I don't find anything else I'll go with the slim LiteOn...maybe. Choices, choices. :) But I will let you know what I choose.
Much appreciated binkie!
Edit: on second thought, after reading the reviews, I don't want the slim. Many say you're giving up speed for the smallness. I'll pass...
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 24. November 2006 @ 20:11
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Moderator
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24. November 2006 @ 20:12 |
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lol - that's why you like the 1st LiteOn instead of the 'bland' 2nd one:)
I'm more into the speed thing reason I knocked the slim external out - only 8x max on it - the other maybe less 'sexy' do 16x :)
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Senior Member
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24. November 2006 @ 20:19 |
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See my above edit about the slim, if you didn't. :)
Yeah, I want speed, but I also want it to look good. Appearance is a factor for me, but it isn't top priority.
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Senior Member
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24. November 2006 @ 20:49 |
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Okay, I think I've made my mind up, and you sold me. :)
After looking at eBay and finding nothing and searching Froogle I've found the two externals in the link are the best choices. Initially, as I stated appearance is a factor, but there's something I really like about the one you prefer(SHM-165P6SX)-it supports LightScribe. The one I liked(SOHW-1673SU) does not. SHM-165P6SX only being $13 more than the other(after mail-in rebate) is worth it, I think.
So binkie, you've sold me mate. I've talked it over with the person buying it for me(my X-mas gift :D ) and they said "okay". So I guess it is official-I'm getting the LITE-ON Black Model SHM-165P6SX.
I will bookmark this thread and I will post my 'review' of what I think about it when I receive the gift. :)
Once again, thank you very much for your help, opinions, and expertise. I really appreciate it! With out you, I probably would have purchased a piece of crap that would have lasted about as long as I could burn one movie. :D
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Moderator
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25. November 2006 @ 10:24 |
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Not a problem there Niobis
My laptop drive has lightscribe (another reason I was looking at that LiteOn model) but I've never used it - to leary it would finally push the burner over the edge :)
Keep me posted on the LiteOn definitely - I need to get one too but won't be until right after Xmas (I never let people buy me stuff like this - they always get it wrong so you are lucky there!)
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Senior Member
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27. November 2006 @ 14:38 |
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binkie7- yeah !
Kinda in a similar but different boat !- Bought a Compaq at wallyworld 11/05/06 - had'nt opened it yet , was waiting to see if could get a better deal /laptop for same or similar price ? Bestbuy had a Hp with lightscribe burner but sold out on thursday ! Compaq comes with combo drive only DVD-ROM /CDR -Burner .Not a Dvd Witer ! I contacted Compaq/ Hp & they say the Model I have will support a DVD Writer /burner but only recommend theirs & the price they quoted was nearly as much as the laptop ! I reaserched the slim internal models ( for laptops ) @ Newegg but can't get a straight answer as to what will work ! & I take it from your discussion with Niobis that you don't put much faith laptop burners ? Being this is my first laptop I'm not really familiar with laptop drives , Externals & desktop internals I'm a little more familiar with ! having 2 nec's & a Benq to fidlle about with ! My only gripe with the externals for laptop use is if your going to be mobile ( A laptop's Best atribute ) toting around a heavy external burner defeats that purpose does it not ? But I suppose one could simply use the combo drive DVD-ROM /CDR Writer to rip your dvd to the laptop or external HDD and then burn it with the external burner correct ! So in theory one could leave the external home with the desktop and burn to it from the laptop as need? What do you think ? from reading your post you seem pretty knowlegeable about things Computer ,Dvd & tech wise! Well thanks for listening & Happy Holidays !
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 27. November 2006 @ 14:40
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Moderator
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27. November 2006 @ 16:02 |
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lol somewhat knowledgeable on pc stuff and dvd stuff - I have my moments:)
If you really want a burner in that laptop I would exchange it for one that has one instead of putting one in- alot of them now come w/ burners.
Putting one in yourself might void any warranty you have on the laptop. Plus wait til you see the back of them - ain't no tower :) and not alot of room.
External though may just be the way to go - you can rip and play them on the laptop then burn later w/ an external. You'd still be mobile:)
My experience along w/ some of my friends is they wear out sooner and some of them have almost no support when it comes to firmware on the oem drives.
Not a whole heck of alot of air circulation w/ a laptop and that's part of the problem.
I would highly recommend a cooling pad - that at least still gets the air going some.
Happy holidays to you too!!
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Senior Member
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28. November 2006 @ 04:18 |
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Food For thought ! thanks for the help !binkie7 - Enjoy your h0lidays & again thanks !
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Moderator
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28. November 2006 @ 16:13 |
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You too BIGTOXY69 :)
Keep us posted on what you decide to do. I'll keep you posted on my external bit too but that will be a few weeks away!
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gecko3500
Newbie
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3. December 2006 @ 10:49 |
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This is for Niobis and Binkie7. What external DVD burner did you eventually decide to go with or are you still looking? If you already received the burner, how have they performed so far? I'm looking for an external for a laptop that will be able to backup my DVDs and PS2 games. I will also be willing to pay a little more and upwards to $150, Please respond whenever able as I have limit knowledge of DVD burners.
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gecko3500
Newbie
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3. December 2006 @ 10:56 |
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One other thing I forgot to mention. I have USB 1.0 which I guess makes a difference. I will be buying a new Desktop in a year or so and just want something that will work in the meantime.
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Moderator
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3. December 2006 @ 16:30 |
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Hi gecko3500
No haven't picked up one yet - will right after Xmas. It will more than likely be a LiteOn unless I get alot of Best Buy gift cards :)
Do you have a 1.1 usb? If you do may be kinda hard to find drives that will support that. They would be much slower than 2.0 usb.
Might want to look at upgrading the pci card too if you have 1.1.
Have a firewire connection by chance? You can look in device manager to see if you do.
Right click on my computer>properties>hardware>device maanger. See if you IEEE 1394 bus controller listed there.
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gecko3500
Newbie
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10. December 2006 @ 21:01 |
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What do you know of the Plextor PX-750UF? It was highly recommended to me from someone.
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Moderator
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11. December 2006 @ 14:45 |
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Plextor is known as the 'king of burners' but the PX-750UF is one of the few models that Plextor doesn't make themselves - this one is made by TEAC or BenQ.
That's about the most I can tell you.
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gecko3500
Newbie
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11. December 2006 @ 16:33 |
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Thanks for the reply. A senior Bestbuy geeksquad member recommended the Plextor to me. However, I've known the guy since high school, he's a pretty decent friend and I think he was just showing me a burner he would recommend that Best Buy carries. I've since emailed him today w/ more questions as he does know his stuff and as he asked me to send URLs of DVD burners I've found and were recommended elsewhere either from Afterdawn.com, Tigerdirect, Pricewatch and so on. Continuing, I will most likely need to get a firewire adapter as this is a present for my parents and I don't know if their computers have a firewire card/port or even USB 2.0 as I don't know much about their computers but will find out. Also, can you get a firewire adapter for a laptop or upgrade to USB 2.0? One more question, which external Lite-ons would you recommend as you said you plan to buy one. Sorry for such a long response but any advice given would be much appreciated.
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gecko3500
Newbie
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11. December 2006 @ 16:58 |
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Both my laptop and parents desktop have IEEE 1394 Bus Host Controllers listed under device manager and my parents laptop is new so I'm sure it does too. Another questiobn, how do you know if you have USB 1.0, 1.1, or 2.0? Thanks.
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Moderator
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11. December 2006 @ 17:03 |
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Hmmm since you have an inside guy there at Best Buy - here's another one to check out. Best Buy has it on sale this week for 79.99 - 18x Samsung. They usually have a good rep.
Link
The LiteOn external I'm looking at is the SHM-165P6SX. But now my sis is insisting no gift cards this year (I prefer them!) I have to choice something I want so I gave her the Samsung drive or a external hard drive on sale too. So we'll see - she may just decide to do the gift card :)
Yes you should be able upgrade the pci bus cards on a laptop to 2.0. May want to have your friend at BB do that for you. If the pc or laptop is only a couple of years old probably has 2.0.
You can check device manager and see if they have 2.0 or firewire.
Right click on 'my computer'. Click on properties then click on hardware then device manager. Under 'universal serial bus controller' look for usb2 enhanced controller - this is 2.0.
For firewire look for IEEE 1394 Bus.
edit to add: slow typing tonite - your parents have firewire and more than likely have usb 2.0 (see above on how to check)
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 11. December 2006 @ 17:05
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gecko3500
Newbie
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11. December 2006 @ 18:17 |
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My laptop has under USB Controllers "Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller" listed Not sure if this is USB 2.0. I probably do have 2.0 though as my laptop, which I purchased in December 2004, doesn't get the whole "this device could perform faster..." message which I used to get on my 6 year old HP Desktop. that computer is down for the count at the moment w/ an Unmountable Boot Volume error but that's another story as I just haven't had enough time to fix it and might have to order the OS disks from HP.
I will also be getting a new external HD for Christmas as my 120GB Maxtor isn't cutting it anymore. CompUSA was selling a Maxtor OneTouch III 300GB Hard Drive for $129 after rebates which isn't too bad but it's back up to $199. What were you thinking about by the way as I was also looking at the Western Digital My Book Premium Edition 500GB Hard Drive. I was warned about anything over 300GB as the read or write times were slow. That model also got some bad reviews as well as they are apparetnly prone to spontaneously dying which would suck as I only back up my files on one external. Just curious. Thanks!!!1
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Moderator
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11. December 2006 @ 18:39 |
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Yep sounds like you have 2.0 usb - the enhanced part usually means that.
And you not getting the 'device can perform faster' pop up.
I was looking at the Western Digital My Book 250 gig at BB for 99.99. A friend of mine has that one and seems good so far.
If the 500 gig are slower and don't have good reviews think I stick w/ the 250-300 gig ones.
Yes that would suck if it died! eck!
Another friend got some off brand external hard and that's what it did - died and didn't take long. So just looking at Western Digital or Seagate. Haven't heard too much on Maxtor externals.
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