Which external DVD writer to buy?

Hi new (obviously)

I am looking for an external dvd writer.
This is to be linked to my Laptop running XP.

I want to burn movies, music and data with it.

Would like it to be fast, transportable (i.e small but rugged for carrying around in my bag) and reliable.

After looking around I have notice freecom seem ok.

Can anyone make a good recommendation?

Cheers
Stu

 

If you want to save a bundle, buy an internal nec 3500, and buy an external enclosure that is made for dvd writable drives. You can get both from newegg for about $100, whereas you'll be spending a lot more than that if you buy an external.

 

Hi Balaam

I though about doing that, but then thought the external ones, might be stronger and better for carrying around and getting banged about in my bag..

Are there any good dvd writer review sites?

 

Ok

Thinking of either getting the:

Samsung TS-E552U USB2.0 Dual Layer 16x DVD +/-R/RW Ext.

or the

Freecom Classic DVD+/-RW 16x Black USB2.0 Double Layer External

or the


LaCie External 16x +/- Dual Layer DVD Drive USB2 & F/wire (d2 model)


Has anyone got any recommendations of thoughts on these??

 

The Lacie is a good choice, it has a pioneer 108 under the skin. Have you considered buying an enclosure/encasement seperately then buying your preferred drive? I'd recommend the encasement below and a pioneer 108. Its really easy to sent up and the enclosure can house hard drives or dvd drives. This one has a firewire"B" interface as well as firewire"A" and usb2.


http://www.bigpockets.co.uk/product.php?product=ENC0020&session=925cad4acebf99da106295bea7c7985b

 

Yeah
I have thought about getting an enclosure and then a drive but:

1. Don't have a preferance of drives yet
2. Is it a rugged and rucksac proof as an external drive
3. With a £65 case and £60 drive they come out at similar price to an external anyway..

 

Price. If your not going for Firewire "b" then an enclosure on the same site is a little cheaper. Once you've bought an enclosure it will be alot cheaper to upgrade, you'll only have to buy a drive, you probably won't be able to do this if you buy an external off the shelf. You can also quickly throw in an external hard drive if you choose. Its going to be as rooksac/rugged as any other external drive.

Hope this helps

 

I think i might go for this external one when it comes out,

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/01/26/lite-on_dual-layer_fast_dvd/


as my friend raves on about lite-on

 

Each to their own. I've always used pioneer drives. I've used them from the AO3 through to the 108, never had any probs. Have fun.