Assist me regarding a purchase..

Hello everyone; I am a new member here and this is my first post...I hope I'm asking this in the correct section. I'm in the learning stage here, and I was wondering if somebody with experience could assist me in making a purchase decision.
My new Dell 4700 came with a Philips 8631 combo drive in the top bay; the lower bay is empty. I do not like the performance of the Philips at all, and I'd like to purchase a better burner. I have read so many posts and comments here, and I think I will choose either the Pioneer 109 or a NEC 3520. I was actually hoping to get the Pioneer A09 but I have read somewhere that it will not fit into this Dell because of the loading tray being so wide from left to right. Apparently some filing and modifications would have to be made to the front on my new computer, and I hate the thought of filing down the new pc.
Anyway, my needs are rather limited in that I would not be burning too many dvd's; but I would probably burn more audio cd's though.
Could somebody with more experience than me advise which burner would be better for me?
At this writing, I am not certain exactly what king of cable is presently used for this Philips burner (40 wire or 80 wire). I have not removed the cover yet on this new Dell. From what I've read, it appears that I would need the 80 wire for better performance of the burner... I guess I had better hope that I already have the 80 wire installed here on this Philips; as I am new to this and I was hoping to use the exact same wiring for the new burner. In other words, I am hoping to be able to remove the Philips, and use the same cable that is already in the pc. I probably sound stupid, but I am just learning new things here and am not experienced with this at all.
In fact, I was even thinking of hiring somebody to install the new burner for me, as I am disabled with a spine problem and might encounter some difficulties with the install.
I think that if I was assured that I can handle the wiring, I would attempt to do the install here so I don't have to take the tower to a computer shop which is 45 minutes away from me.
If anyone could lend me some advice, I would surely be appreciative to you. Could you let me know if either the Pioneer 109 or the NEC 3520 would be good for me? And if anyone has experience with a Dell 4700, and if you happen to know what cable Dell uses from the factory, I'd sure be interested to know (it will save me a lot of pain regarding my spine here). I have a hunch that it could be the 40 wire one though...which would complicate matters for me as the Pioneer needs the 80.
Thanks very much for reading my post, and thanks in advance if you can lend me any of your expertise. My hat is off to the forum owner here; I have been reading many, many posts and the forum is an enormous source of knowledge; thank you for the great forum!!

 

Hi Flip... Thanks so much for that info; I am very appreciative to you! Yes, I was quite surprised when I read that too about the Pioneer A09. I found that info while doing a google search, and the guy said that the drive would fit, but ... the loading tray extends (width) the entire width of the unit. He said it would not open/close properly because of the wide loading tray. He used a Dremmel grinding tool to shave down his plastic Dell front panel.
After reading that, I searched for some good close up poics of that Pioneer, and it does indeed extend the full width.
As I said, this is all new to me, so I was only going by what his experiences were with that Pioneer A09.
I originally wanted to get that A09 too, but after reading that I changed my mind and considered the DVR109 instead. From what I gather, I think they are pretty much alike as far as performance specs... just the try width is different.
If you or anyone can confirm or deny this, please let me know as I really liked that A09 too. I just don't want to gamble buying it and then finding out that it does not fit properly.
I actually am hoping that the guy did the install incorrect or something, as I liked the looks of that A09. If you happen to know anything about it, can you let me know please?
Thanks Flip very much.

 

The pioneer 109 is a standard drive. The pioneer A09 is a big duplicator, which do you want.

 

Flip, I just re-read my reply and I should have been more clear. The guy had said that the "bezel" is the part that wouls get hung up while opening and closing. He said that it extends the entire width of the unit. Hope I am wording that correctly.... If you can find a good close up photo, I think you'll know what I'm trying to describe.
I truly hope he was wrong about that because I like that darn A09 very much.
I'll check back here in the morning as I've got to get up early tomorrow morning. Almost 10:00 p.m. here in Massachusetts (I don't know where you are located....) and I've got to get up very early in the morning.
Thanks my friend very much; I'll check in tomorrow.
Tommy from Massachusetts

 

Good morning Arniebear. Thank you for letting me know that; I'll scrap that idea of the A09. Looks like it will be the dvr-109 for sure then.
As you know from my posts, it is obvious that I am quite new to this... I have read that in order to flash / obtain the latest firmware updates, you must know what you are doing in order to not botch everything up. Any chance you could point me to any tutorial in which I could learn the risks of doing that? When I recieve the dvr-109, I believe there are some firmware updates from Pioneer. Is there anything I should know before I attempt doing this?
I searched around and found some limited info, but I was wondering if you happen to know of any tutorial about this. I'd be most happy to read and learn, as this Dell is brand new and I wouldn't want to risk messing anything uo here. My first task is to explore this present configuration to see what Dell used to connect this Philips. I think it could be that 40 pin cable; and apparently Pioneer recommends the 80 pin... I've got much to learn there too.
As it is, I'm going to be learning something new when I remove the Philips burner too; I sure hope I can install the new dvr-109 incident free! Although I am new, I certainly do have a willingness to learn properly first. Probably today, I'll pull the cover and see what Dell installed for a cable to that Philips (a very problematic burner, by the way..) (lousy reviews / full of problems..)
Thank you for lending me your expertise; I'm very grateful!
Tommy

 

I have had my Dell 4550 for two years and have had no problems with flashing firmware. Just go to mfr site and download file [bold]for your drive [/bold] click on it and the firmware will update, just make sure you have running programs closed out and you are good to go. Do not know about the 80 pin, just install what comes with comes with the drive. I just installed an internal burner and my Dell had no problems with recognition, I also run two external burners and they are fine. I have flashed all my drives, just did my Lite-on 167T reader yesterday and no problems. The only thing you got to worry about when flashing is a power failure.

 

Excellent, Arniebear... thank you so much for your help! Looks like I will definitely order the DVR-109; most likely from Newegg. I've read many nice comments about Newegg, so I'll give them a try.
Sure wish there was a retail version of the 109, but I'll have to make do with the OEM I guess.
I've got quite a bit to learn here, Arniebear... Got my first computer at 50 years old; having never even sat in front of one before!! I guess I'm a late bloomer, LOL. That is why I treasure the info I have recieved here on the forum; I have learned much and I thank you again for your help.
Take care my friend; I'll post again if I have some further questions or difficulties. But I'm optomistic that all goes well; I hope!!!
Tommy

 

Good Luck, and happy future burning

 

Hi Flip... I'll be honest with you; I haven't ruled the NEC out yet neither. In fact, I like that model very much after reading many fine reviews about it.
This Philips that was installed into my new Dell is terrible. If I had known that they used this model, I would not have ordered it. I read on the Dell forum that so many people have had troubles with this philips, that Dell is replacing them with NEC's. At this typing, I can't remember exactly which model NEC though.
I wrote to Dell corporate offices last week to tell them of all the headaches this Philips is causing me, but I haven't recieved a reply yet. But at this point, this darn Philips 8631 is coming out of my computer very soon. It does not even like to play store bought audio cd's; it skips constantly. I can only imagine the trouble I'd have when I try to burn a dvd, or make an audio cd.
Dell has always treated me great, so I'm hoping they will issue me a credit for this mistake I made.
Right after I send this post off to you on the forum, I'm going to check out that NEC again.... I really can't make my mind up between that NEC or Pioneer; but it will definitely be one of them. I also looked at a Plextor quite carefully and liked the good reviews, but with my small income from a spinal cord disability, the budget won't quite allow that Plextor yet.
I can't thank you enough for your going out of your way to assist me. I've been a very frequent reader of this forum, and decided to sign up yesterday; I'm so happy that I did. Seems to be an excellent bunch of fine folks here who help people like me that are trying to learn something new. With the new Dell 4700 loaded with many, many options, it cost me quite a bit so that is why I am trying to learn so much before I attempt to install a burner on my own. I'm also so pleased that I chose this digital Raedon / dvi digital flat panel monitor (hope I worded that correct). The clarity and resolution is phenominal when connected through the dvi cable.
Take care Flip; knowing me, I'll probably have some more questions somewhere down the road. Many thanks..
Tommy

 

Just a quick note to you, I too recommend NEC. I have had my NEC for two years and 800 burns, and it is still my gem. I just purchased a Plextor and like it too. The NEC and the Pioneer are the same price at NewEgg $56.99. If you want more info on drives and probs people have try

http://www.cdfreaks.com

They have a forum on dvd recorders, and subforums on each drive this might help you pick.

 

Many thanks, arniebear... I have definitely made up my mind today; it will be the NEC. I just browsed many reviews, and I even scoped out the NEC website and I like their user friendly website. I think I'd be making a sound purchase with the NEC.
I'll probably order this soon from Newegg, regardless of what Dell advises me in regards to that Philips. I'm hoping that they offer a credit, and I'll be most happy to mail them this Philips back. Sure wish I had known what I was getting for a burner, LOL !! Oh well, I love this new Dell 4700 regardless.
I read that installation section on the NEC website; I think I should be o.k. as far aas installing this by myself. My biggest problem is a mobility one, so I might have some time to disconnect all the wires and put the tower on the table to gain access to the burner. Believe me, if I had a pc shop close by, I wouild pay somebody to come here and help me install this. But I reside out in the country and the pc shops are about 45 minutes away. They would have to charge me quite a bit, I suppose.
Gosh, I'm hoping I don't encounter any obstacles putting this in! But at least I have something in my favor; I've got a tremendous willingness to read and learn, so that's in my favor too.
And I've also got you nice people here too, so that is comforting also. Sure wish I joined this forum earlier!
Many thanks, my friends... I'll keep you posted as to what happens.
Tommy

 

tommyo54,

Make sure you set the jumper on the back of your new dvdrw the same as the one you take out and you should be ok.

 

Hello Mort; Thank you.. In a way, I'm lucky that a burner is already installed, as I'll use that as a reference guide to install the new NEC. I'm usually a quick learner; hopefully I'll be able to say after the install.... "Gee, was that easy." (I hope, anyway..)
An experienced person can probably do it blindfolded, LOL .... but this is all new to me. Hopefully I'll encounter no problems.
I noticed that on Newegg, there are apparently two different packages available; one OEM only, and another one with some added (Roxio or Nero, I think..) software. This new pc came with some programs that I haven't even explored yet, so I don't know if it is any good. Something called Sonic, and something called Power DVD.
I'm not sure about those yet... I've read many favorable comments about Nero though.
Would you have any recommendation in regards to which version of Nero would be good for me, as someone who is just starting out and learning? I do already have DVD Decryptor and DVD Shrink downloaded and installed if that's any help. Should I consider that Nero also?
And what is your preference as to which Nero.. there are many; 6.0; 6.6; and various other ones too. It kind of is a personal choice, I guess... just trying to consider something adequate but fairly simple.
Thanks again very much, Mort..
Tommy

 

Hello Tommy,

I have Nero Ultra Edition, and have had this program for years, it is one of my favorites. However, there are a lot of programs out there and you can learn a lot about them just browsing the forums. As long as you have DVD Shrink, and DVD Decrypter which are free you will be able to burn DVDs. I am not a Roxio fan, and it does not always play well with Nero. I use Nero for burning CD's MP3's and DVD's, it has several tools that are good. PowerDVD is used to play DVD's on your comp. If the Nero comes bundled with the drive get it, if not it is about 60.00, but you can get a months trial version. Don't want you spending any money if you do not have to. Take it slow and you will learn. Good Luck ;o)

Also here are some good guides to start with

http://www.dvdplusvideo.com/index.htm

 

Thanks arniebear for the info and also that link; I'll be doing quite a bit of reading over there.
I'll most likelt choose Nero if I am given the choice at Newegg; I think it was only a few dollars more. That will probably get me started and then when I learn more, I can always upgrade to the Ultra.
Not sure yet about this Sonic that came pre-installed on the pc. Think I'll pick up some media and toy around with it to get the feel of it. I don't expect great results from this Philips though; it doesn't like anything that is put into it. Sure wish Dell would have installed a NEC, as that is what I thought I was ordering, darn it.
Well, thank you again, and have a great evening. Are you in USA arniebear? I'm located in central Massachusetts... gotta hit the sack early here to get up quite early tomorrow morning.
Take care my friend; have a great Sunday also..
Tommy

 

I am in Ohio, enjoy your reading, if you have more questions come back and we will try and answer them ;o)

Check out this thread you will learn about ADers.

http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/177686

 

tommyo54,

I agree with arniebear, I too am not a Roxio fan, it doesn't coexist very well with other programs and can cause software conflicts. The nero you will get with your drive will be an oem version, doesn't have all the bells and whisles that nero ultra does, but will do what you need to burn dvd's and cd's and can be used along with dvd shrink to automatically burn after shrink does its thing.

It's worth the few extra dollars to get a retail drive over an oem drive. They are basically the same except the retail usually has some software bundled in, usually has the brand name on the front (oem doesn't), and sometimes you will get a 80 wire IDE ribbon cable [if it was me though I would buy a round ATA/IDE 133 cable (better cooling, easier to work with) for about $2.00 or $3.00. But thats just me].

 

i am also w/ arniebear and mort81, i uninstalled roxio and sonic the day i got my computer, i had a retail copy of nero ultra for a long time, so i just threw that onto my computer

anyways, i have BOTH those drives that you were deciding on, while my pioneer dvr-109 is on my main rig in my sig, i have the nec 3520a on my 2nd computer that i use for casual burning (meaning less than 10/day LOL), both have proven to be great burners and you will be satisfied with your nec.

i am using a normal 40 wire cable myself and it does the job, while upgrading would be very inexpensive, i'll replace it when it's outlived it's usefulness.

welcome to AD btw tommyo54, these guys on here are great~ i've learned a lot myself on here and once you get your Dell going with your new NEC burner, come to me with any questions regarding dvd media for your burns

or any questions you might have on that burner i might add , i've had mine since it first came out and paid about $90 for it initially, it's almost 1/2 price now and newegg has VERY competitive prices and are very fast to ship as well~ i've spent thousands of dollars there and since im in California too, i get all my orders within 2 days via Fedex saver~

anyways, best of luck for your new upgrade..it's a pretty straight forward installation and using your old philips as a reference is the best way to start~ plus the advice of these members here on AD, u'll be up and running like the best of them in no time at all~

have a good one all~