DVD LONGEVITY

I have been using a used computer for the past 5 months or so.

My bottom DVD ROM is a LG. I use it 100% of the time to do just that - "read" then I'll switch to a different writer.

Last week the ROM just quit! Needless to say, I'm having considerable bad luck in finding just a ROM to replace it.
Q) What kind of longevity can I expect from NEW -OUTA THE BOX
DVD Burner?

Should that be measured in hours, weeks, months, years , etc?

I figure I'm using my readers about 4-5 hours per day.
Q) Can a laser "overheat"
Q) Are there different kinds of lasers to considar?

I'm sure I could come up with a ton more qhestions but this will do for now

marwen1

 

I think that you're being a little over-analytical.

Things break - get used to it.

"I'm having considerable bad luck in finding just a ROM to replace it. "

DVD-ROMs are a "dime a dozen". What is so special about that particular model that you can't find a replacement?

Q) What kind of longevity can I expect from NEW -OUTA THE BOX
DVD Burner?

A) Anything from 0 days (out of box failure) to 2-5 years. I have had units last 90 days, I have had units last 5 years.

Should that be measured in hours, weeks, months, years , etc?

The manufacturer specifications for each component include Mean Time before failure (MTBF), thees are aggregated into an MTBF for the unit.

I figure I'm using my readers about 4-5 hours per day.
Q) Can a laser "overheat"

A) All electronic components are subject to overheating, but this is typically due to a defect in the component, or in the worst case, component design.

Q) Are there different kinds of lasers to considar?

A) No, since you have NO choice OR knowledge on what the manufacturer chooses to use.

I use my DVD ROM and RW every day. I replace them every year whether I need to or not.

 

good answers! As far as finding a specific kind of ROM -- not the issue.

Up here where I am -- WINNIPEG, MB --- I have called over a dozen sources -- NO ONE! Absolutely - NO ONE wants to carry a low-markup
item --- especially when the least expemsive DVD Burner is selling for about $55.00 CDN

In my opinion - and that's just me, -- I don't see any sense in having two burners when a ROM and a Burner will do - just fine. I'm quite sure there are both pros and cons to both sides of the issue.

Nevertheless, I really appreciate the data you did give to me. They were just questions that I just had no idea what they should be.

Now I know! Merci

marwen1

 

There's nothing wrong with running a burner as a ROM if there is no price differential.

Yes, it's annoying to pay more than you should have to.

The beauty of having two bruners is that when your primary burner goes out at 4:30PM on Sunday, you don't have to scramble for a solution.