New BenQ, LG, Nec, Plextor, Pioneer and LiteOn (when)?

[Halc]

Any ideas as to when the following drives will hit retail (anywhere in the world):

- LGA GSA-4165B (or whatever is the 4163b successor)
- BenQ DW1640 (or whatever is the 1620pro/1625 successor)
- Nec ND3540 (or whatever is the 3520 successor)
- Pioneer Axx (or whatever is the A09XL successor)
- Plextor PX-xxx (or whatever is the PX-716A successor)
- LiteOn SOHW-1693S (or whatever is the SOHW-1673s successor)

I'm trying to time my drive purchases to coincide with the testing I do for an article I'm writing, which won't be out till late summer. Hence, I have to be able to buy the very latest drives for testing to have at least some relevance when the article comes out.

I'd appreciate all help on times/dates and possible sources to buy the equip (mail order, anywhere in the world that delivers to within EU, but EU sources are prefererred).

Cheers,
halc

[Ian]

As usual, Pioneer and Plextor have been tight lipped about their next drives. The rest of the drives, I've heard a little here and there.. some more than others. Here are my best guesstimates:

LG GSA-4165 - probably May.. at least here in the US
BenQ DW1640 - this month. I'm fairly certain of this.
NEC ND-3540 - late this month, but more likely May
Lite-On SOHW-1693S - May.. at least in the US

I'm hoping Lite-ON is working hard on the SOHW-1693S, considering the lack of updates for their other drives.

[Halc]

Thanks Ian!

[Ian]

Keep in mind those are my best guesses. If I'm wrong, don't get mad at me..

[MediumRare]

Halc, the place I keep an eye on for new products (in addition to what Ian says ) is Alternate. Their delivery dates are normally realistic (and they ship to Finland). Of the drives you mentioned, only the NEC ND-3540A is listed at present, delivery date: April.

G

[Halc]

Thanks MediumRare. I'll try to keep on tabs on Alternate.

Anybody have advance info on Samsung and possible replacement for latest Samsung models (is 552U the latest shipping)?

[MediumRare]

Here's some news: alternate now lists the BenQ DW-1640 (Lightscribe) as shipping within 48 hours. €79 retail. As mentiond elsewhere, the NEC 3540 is now listed as May.

G

[Bhairav]

Here's some news: alternate now lists the BenQ DW-1640 (Lightscribe) as shipping within 48 hours. €79 retail. As mentiond elsewhere, the NEC 3540 is now listed as May.

G

OOhh... I didn't know the 1640 had LightScribe..

[Ian]

The DW1625 has LightScribe.. the DW1640 doesn't. They're gonna have some pissed off customers.