12x and 16x dvdrw Aopen drive with the same model #

[liteonrules]

i saw a 12x DVD RW AND 16X DVD RW Aopen with the same model DUW1608 number. is it the same drive with firmware that upgraded from 12x to 16x? and if they are not the same drives then why have the same model number?
a friend of mine is selling the 12x version to me for $37.00 and i know that he used it less than 20 times.

one more question: can i used nero speed to test the media on this drive?because i can't use any of my NEC's

[Ian]

one more question: can i used nero speed to test the media on this drive?because i can't use any of my NEC's

According to the CD Speed website, the DUW1608/AAR is supported. I'm not sure about the DUW1608/12x or why AOpen used such a dumb naming scheme.

http://www.cdspeed2000.com/go.php3?link=cdspeed30.html

[liteonrules]

can a modified firmware make a DUW1608 12x into a 16x DUW1608/AAR?

[TCAS]

can a modified firmware make a DUW1608 12x into a 16x DUW1608/AAR?

There is no such model as DUW1608 12X, this model is designated model only for 16X. With regard to your question of buying 12X AOpen model from friend for $37, if you look you might still be able to find DUW 1608 16X model in Offic Max in their clearance section for $39.99 brand new and in retail version.

[Ian]

TCAS, there is a drive with 12x DVD-R writing speeds:

http://usa.aopen.com/products/dvd+rw/DUW160812X.htm

[ETP]

ARR is the key here folks. The suffix is different. And do what TCAS said. Buy a new 16x cheap!

http://download.aopen.com.tw/default.aspx

If you can't find a unit on sale at your local store then check newegg.com for the cheapest drive you can get. NU and Pio can be had cheap this week.

[TCAS]

Thans Ian for clarification I didn't know such drive exist with same model with 1608. but obviously they are using the same model no. for both 1608 with 8X (DVD-R) and 12X (DVD-R) writing, this is kind of odd.