I don't know what to buy !

[XplOit]

Hello everyone.
First of all, I've read your reviews about the Plextor PX-712A and the LG GSA-4120B and theye were so good ! they helped me out alot in my decision on with DVD burner to buy.
But I'm still not sure which one to buy !
The LG is a safe bet because he supports all DVD formats, but not in such incredible speeds. And also I've read about the region problem, and how you have to flash it to the NOUD firmware.
In the tests I've read, the LG preformed pritty good, but not as good as the Plextor.
It has an 8MB buffer (LG 2MB), top technologies (BURN Proof, PowerRec, VariRec, GigaRec, SecuRec, Silent Mode, Q-Check), the ability to burn 4x dvds in 8x, and some 8x dvds in 12x.
The only thing bad with this drive is that it can not burn DVD+R9 (Dual Layer) of 8.5G or DVD-RAM (both the LG drive can).
Now the big problem wash the price. The LG is very cheap and also comes with 10 DVD-R blanks and full technical support and install of the drive, if I buy it in the computer store near my house (120.5$). But if I want the Plextor it costs a bit more, I didn't find a real price in websites like Office Depolt, COMPUSA, J&R, Circuit City, only prices similar to the LG drive (100-130$) on different shoping sites on-line.
BUT THEN I found out about the 30$ mail rebate ! that's changing everything ! now the price is even cheaper than the LG Drive !

Now, I would like to know your opinion about this.
What to you think ?

Thanks,
XplOit.

[Vanderlow]

Buy the LG between the two, but even more popular are the NEC-3500, Pioneer 108, and my favorite the BenQ DW1620. Go to newegg.com and order it from there.

[XplOit]

Realy ? I haven't heard about these ones.
I still think the Plextror is better than them, no ?

[Scour]

Hello!

If you don´t want to use DVD+R DL and cheap media, go with the Plextor.

Otherwise take a LG 4120 or Pioneer DVR 108

[XplOit]

I don't realy think I will use DVD+R DL this much, because 4.7 is quite good for me.
And what do you mean cheap media ?

[XplOit]

Ad can someone explain me how this fine drive NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive, Beige, Model ND-3500A BG, OEM costs only 76$ ????

And there is a small fault in your plan.
NewEgg.com ships its products in the USA only (maybe Canada), but I live in Isreal. I don't believe it will get there.

BUT, my parents are flying tommorow to LA, and with a lot of luck, I could order it now to LA in hope it would get there before my parents leave. But it is to big of a risk. What if it won't get to LA in time, it will be stuck there and it won't be able to get to me.

[dodecahedron]

hi XplOit and welcome to CDRLabs

the NEC ND-3500A sells here in Israel too, and here as well it's rather cheap.

example: www.lamir.co.il (located in Herzliyya)

i know this online store, bought there quite some stuff, they're OK and from someone else i hear their service is good too.
they have the NEC ND-3500A on sale right now for 490 shekels ($108), that's very cheap.

the NEC is cheap (in the US as well as here) since it's an OEM drive, it doesn't come with a box, manual, screws, IDE cable etc. and also doesn't always come with software.

the best i could find the LG (admittedly i didn't search much, just checked in www.wallashops.co.il ) was 500 shekels ($110) (OEM package, but with the software).
checked just now, it isn't there anymore - that particular group sale must be over.

checked just now, Lamir sells the LG 4120 for 506 shekels ($111) bulk (no extras), 559 shekels ($123) retail box (with all the extras). if you don't have the software (Nero and more) it's well worth the extra money.

wallashops has the NEC for 479 shekels.
http://www.wallashops.co.il/shopmind_po ... id=1303661

if you search you might find better prices then these.

[dodecahedron]

newegg doesn't ship internationally.

[dodecahedron]

i don't think you can use the Plextor rebate here in Israel. only if you buy it in the states.

there's no DL media here in Israel (yet).

[AlienTech]

i don't think you can use the Plextor rebate here in Israel. only if you buy it in the states.

So donate the rebate to cdrlabs I used to send in for rebates and put the address of my friends who done some favors for me. I might not get anything but I can say hey I sent you a gift.

[XplOit]

Thanks very much you two.
If I'll buy the LG drive, I will buy it in my computer store next to my house, since it's only 550 shekels (OEM) but I know the manager and he will supply me with a cable and will also install it for me for free.
About the NEC, I'm quite surprised that such a good burner costs so little.
I can't help it, but I just can't let go of the Plextor drive. Even if I'll buy it online for 100$, I still get the rebate of 30$, and even with shipment or FEDEX or taxes or what ever it is still cheaper then the LG drive !

OH..what do to...what to do...

PS
I'll have my uncle try to buy the plextor maybe 'cause he also leaves to the US tommorow, and he is going to buy himself a Pioneer DVD burner.
Either case, I still get the rebate. (if I'll buy it in an american computer store on line or if I'll buy it somewhere in America).

[dodecahedron]

i don't think you can use the Plextor rebate here in Israel. only if you buy it in the states.

So donate the rebate to cdrlabs I used to send in for rebates and put the address of my friends who done some favors for me. I might not get anything but I can say hey I sent you a gift.

to get a rebate you must provide proof of purchase.
i don't think Plextor will honor a rebate request sentwith a sales receipt of a store here in Israel.

on the other hand, if the guy is buying the drive in the US through a friend of his who lives in the US, is doing the actual purchase for him, and doing the applying for the rebate, then he can take advantage of the rebate himself.

[XplOit]

So do you think that if I will order it on-line from NEWEGG and FDX it to LA where my parents will pick it up, I won't be able to clain the rebate to Isreal ?
But then its more complicated because I'll need to have someone else purchesing it for me with their credit card.....I don't think I could find anyone to do it for me...

[VEFF]

Ad can someone explain me how this fine drive NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive, Beige, Model ND-3500A BG, OEM costs only 76$ ????

1 Prices in the US are lower than in Israel
2 It is OEM not retail
3 Newegg has decent prices

How long are your parents going to be in CA?
Newegg ships from CA, so it should be quick! Of course there could always be unforeseen delays, so it IS a risk.
The safe way is to order from a place such as the one dodecahedron suggested.

[XplOit]

the nec costs this much in Isreal too.
And my parents will be in LA from Thursday to Tuesday.
I'm not sure that FEDEX will make it on time (there is Saturday and Sunday in the middle).
100$ is a great price for that burner...I CAN NOT miss it !
And after 30$ rebate it's really a joke !!

I also checked and it will cost about 90$ to FEDEX it from LA to Isreal !!!!
Thats like more than the drive itself !!

[XplOit]

All right people we've got results !
I've just asked my aunt and she called Newegg.com AND Plextor, and everything is going great ! If you buy it directly from Plextor it will cost 130$, but in newegg onle 100$. Shipment is 4$, tax is 8.5$, rebate is 30$, and she agreed to purchase it for me from newegg and they (newegg) said that the product should get in 3-4 days (Plextor Delivers it within 24 hours from the order time). So in total, I got this fine DVD Burner for only 82.5 dollars !! thats about 370 shekels !! when on internet stores in Isreal, this drive costs 170$ before tax.
WHAT A GREAT DEAL

[dodecahedron]

XplOit
for the rebate, you must purchase the drive in the US.
but you also must give them a mailing address in the US to receive the check.
i doubt you'll get the rebate if you give them your address in Israel.

if you have family living in the US (your aunt? i could'nt understand from your words if she lives in LA) they can take care of it for you, you can give their address.

also note, some websites won't accept international credit cards, only American ones.

enjoy your new drive!

[XplOit]

So...
Just as my aunt was ready to buy it from newegg.com, my uncle reminded her of the Best Buy store near their house.
They called the shop, and they have the drive for 104$ in the retail box.
I will talk to her tommorow to see if she had bought it from Best Buy, if now we'll need to order it from newegg ASAP so hopefully it will make it to LA (my aunt) by Friday.

[ramlin]

First of all I would like to wish Xploit Hag Sameach - it's a holiday here in Sunny calm Israel;).
I also live in Israel and you should bear in mind that although most electrical goods are cheaper outside Israel - it's a real bummer if you have to use the warranty since any US or European bought product will probably have a warranty that only covers you in the country where you bought it. So if you buy a defective product in the US there's very little you can do - other than fly there and get it repaired. That's why I strongly recommend that you buy the drive (whichever one you chose) here in Israel - if anything goes wrong - at least you're covered.
As to on line deals - I would add www.zap.co.il which is the Israeli version of dealtime. The NEC 3500 has received excellent reviews (despite it having a cheap price - I think you should look up the Giffin paradox on this issue;). In anyevent try http://www.zap.co.il/model.asp?model_id=36247 - which compares all the online prices for the NEC 3500 in Israel. The LG online comparison is at http://www.zap.co.il/model.asp?model_id=33816 As you will see the price difference is not that great - so buy the home grown with the benefit of a warranty.

[dodecahedron]

First of all I would like to wish Xploit Hag Sameach - it's a holiday here in Sunny calm Israel;).

on my, you are drooling with sarcasm...
look out, i'm about to drown in your drool...

[dodecahedron]

i agree with what ramlin says.

just a few remarks:
the info in zap is not always accurate.
(a relevant example: the NEC 3500 is listed as 490 @ lamir, whereas it's 460 now)
there are stores/websites that aren't listed in zap, sometimes you can find a better deal.

[XplOit]

Never mind guys...she bought it !
That's it ! I now own a Plextor 712a/sw in beautiful gray color in the original retail box which means that I got this drive for 113$ (including tax) ! I think it's a great price !

Well, thank you every one, and maybe I'll re-review the drive and test it and send the results to you =)

Oh and I almost forgot....HAPPY HOLIDAY EVERYONE !

[Scour]

I don't realy think I will use DVD+R DL this much, because 4.7 is quite good for me.
And what do you mean cheap media ?

The Plextor only burn good quality media like Taiyo Yuden, Verbatim with good quality; i you want to use cheaper media, the Plextor have higher error rates

[XplOit]

I know it is a strange question to ask now, but what is the difference between R+ and R-. I understand that there are 2 groups of DVD developers and the whole story, but what is better ? for say DVD+R/RW OR DVD-R/RW ?

[VEFF]

Believe it or not, Dell had the PX-712A for only $40 + $7 shipping for a total of US$40 + $7 shipping after a $50 mail-in rebate.
It was a great deal, but I didn't bite, because I didn't just sell my 8X a few weeks ago to go to 12X; I am waiting for 16X.

The $50 rebate expired Sept 29 (well before your post) and the instant 20% off also expired, so it is back up to $112.97, more than newegg.

Anyway, enjoy your drive! I am sure you will love it - I had two PX-708A drives and thought they were great.