Hi, I recently bought a PD 8x burner at OM for $69.99 after rebate. I found out that this is actually a rebadged Lite-On 851s. I also have a Dell Dimension 4300s that is about 2 years old with a 20GB interanl hard drive with a 250GB external hard drive as well. My questions are 1. Did I get a good deal on the drive? 2. Does it make logical sense to but a USB enlclosure to make the burner external since I don't have a laptop? 3. Does it matter that I have the external hard drive? 4. I've seen a lot of messages regarding firmware/software updates, do I need these and what are these? 5. What type of media should I buy to make copies of my current DVD's? I understand that this will be my first time I'll possible need RW. My DVD player will all media. I'm totally new to this process so any help I can get from the experts would be great. I'll post in the other forums when it comes time to make the copies but I need to find out these answers first. Thanks. isjka
Hey Man, I'm here to help. Your questions answered: 1. Yes, you got a great deal. 2. USB enclosure I wouldn't recomend, but if it suites you go for it. 3. Having an external HDD shouldn't cause any problems unless you also make the drive USB. Not sure about complications, some trial and error involved. 4. Firmware updates should only be implemented if: Your drive isn't burning disc at said speed, producing a lot of coasters, etc. Like the old saying says, if it isn't broken don't fix it. 5. Almost everyone here would recomend Ritek for media. Try out the Ritek 8x DVD+R and see if everything works. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the answers XxHaXx! So if I understand you correctly there is a slight possibility that I could have complications wtih making the burner external since the HDD is also external. No way to tell 100% though. With regard to the Ritek 8x DVD+R, is this sold at the local big box retailers, and should I be using the RW's since I'm a total newbie? Thanks.
As far as your HDD and drive complications, who knows it might work, I'm gonna let someone else take that one. I would say take that extra money instead of converting into an external to buying that blank media!! I get all mine at http://www.blankmedia.ca/ good company, good luck mate!
