Buying CD/DVD burner--software question

Question

Hi: I have a Dimension 4700 with XP. It came with a DVD-ROM and I thought I could use my old HP CD burner, but the software is outdated and will cost $80 to replace.   Thought maybe it would make sense to just buy a new CD/DVD Burner that comes with software. I have a gift certificate on Dell that I would like to use if possible. They list a Sony DRU 720A 4x DVD+R DL/16X/8X/16X DVD+RW/48X24X/40X CD-R/RW EIDE/ATAPI  that comes with Nero software. Also list a Dell 16X/4X/16X DVD+RW/8X4X/16X DVD-RW/2.4XDVD+R DL/40S24X/40X CD-RW etc, but the description does not say anything about software.   A: I have only the haziest understanding of all those numbers, so don't know how these compare. B: Does the Dell Come with software? C: I'm not going to be making videos or doing fancy things with music--just basically backing up data and photos.   So what do I need to do?   Vera

FISHUNT7 · Answer

I would suggest buying a Pioneer or a Plextor. They seem to be everyones favorite and do not seem to have compatability issues. I would also suggest buying a +\- RW which means it will write and re-write in all forms. There are all kinds of free DVD burning software on the internet. I am not able to say the name of them because I was warned by the Dell forum hall monitor that I might get kicked off because I used one of the names on hear before. Google DVD burner and free DVD burning software and you will get plenty of options. One of the sites lists the users favorites for DVD burners.

Message Edited by FISHUNT7 on 06-08-2005 12:14 PM

Message Edited by FISHUNT7 on 06-08-2005 12:15 PM

osprey4 · Answer

Vera:

I suggest you save your gift card for another purchase. Do some shopping for a Pioneer or Plextor DVD±RW drive, the two manufacturers most often recommended here. You'll do best ordering an "OEM" model, which just means that it's a plain drive, but many vendors offer Nero OEM Suite with the drive for free or for a few extra dollars.

flea34 · Answer

Boys, why you trying to get this guy to spend over $100 for a drive ...when he can get a drive just as good with the NEC 3520A at Newegg.com for 51.99. Don't care what anyone says....the NEC 3520A is one of the best drives made. NEC is fine company that make affordable products. They are rated just as high as the Plextor's and Pioneer's. :smileywink:

Predator · Answer

Flea,

Because the Plextor & Pioneer are excellent drives pure and simply, they have proven themselves. Yes the NEC seems to be good drive and I am happy you are pleased with your choice. I recall we have at times recommended the NEC 3500 series but, we too recommend what we use and have success with, and we unlike you do care what people have to say about drives. Each person will recommend what they have had good experience with, is there a right or wrong, (leaving out the Dell NEC 1100a & Philips 8631), no not really but I would not rate the NEC as high as either the Plextor & Pioneer but that is my opinion which carries as much weight in this conference as yours, just an opinion.

I wish you good luck with the drive.

Edit: sorry John for such a bad step-over / cut time wise, got a phone call during typing...should have refreshed
Also Ditto with your reply on cost issue to !

God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell the
difference.

CD/RW Link

Message Edited by Predator on 06-09-2005 09:39 AM

osprey4 · Answer

Flea34: 'This guy' is named Vera. Second, there are good reasons to recommend Pioneer and Plextor. While the NEC is well regarded, NEC as a company has had a sketchy history with drives. Saving a few bucks is not an important consideration from my viewpoint when buying DVD burners. Besides, the Pioneer is only a few dollars more than the NEC, not over $100.

tucsonwriter · Answer

Thanks for your advice. Now some more questions that reveal my ignorance--You recommended OEM, but I never really understood what that means, and in shopping web sites, don't find it mentioned very often, so how do I know if someting is OEM. I do see IDE a lot. What's that? Are they opposites?

Second question--I've been assuming that a DVD burner would also burn CDs. Is that correct? i know it will play both, but will it also burn both?

gawd, I hate buying stuff I don't understand.

Vera

osprey4 · Answer

Vera:

C'mon, this is fun!! It's shopping, so how can you not like it?

OEM, also called "white box", just means that you will get a plain drive, sometimes you'll get screws, cable and/or software, but not always. Check the site for details. "Retail" is just what is sounds like, the drive in a fancy box with instructions, software, cable, screws, etc. OEM drives are usually fine but if you need software, you'll want to check for a store that offers software either with the drive or for an additional cost. Many vendors offer Nero OEM Suite with their OEM drives for about $5-7.

FISHUNT7 · Answer

Vera, I think OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer.  Its like buying GM Goodwrench parts for your Chevrolet instead of Napa parts.  Except with electronics it is cheaper for OEM than for store shelf products. Shane

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Buying CD/DVD burner--software question

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