What's a good DVD/RW to buy?

[cbboy777]

Hi, I need a new dvd/RW drive. I have a couple of questions that I hope you guys can help me with. Bought an OEM TSSTCorp H552B 3 months ago. After functioning for 3 months with pretty decent burns, the drive now won't recognize CD or DVD discs at all now. I think the laser is burnt out. Anyhow I need a new drive. Questions are:

1. OEM drives versus retail? Since my last one was an OEM, and it broke so dang fast, are they lower quality than retail?

2. What is the best company QUALITY wise, meaning the drive would last longer than 3 freakin months?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

[ruderacer]

Well, to answer your questions, there is no difference between OEM to Retail. Other than the retail may come with cables and software. As far as which is the best company, well Plextor, Pioneer, Nec, and others are good, but why don't you look at the reviews in this site to get an idea of what you want. Then make up your own mind.

[cbboy777]

WEll i have read them, but the articles do not address my main concern....RELIABILITY....something that doesnt have a horrid history of breaking. If there are articles concerning RELIABILITY i'd love to read it.

[CowboySlim]

Unfortunately, reliability estimates are mostly guesswork. It isn't practical to get several dozen of each and every kind and put them through duty cycles and note when they fail.

[cbboy777]

So pretty much, despite the Brand, it's a crapshoot how long the drive will last then?

[Ian]

So pretty much, despite the Brand, it's a crapshoot how long the drive will last then?

The build quality of some drives are better than others. However, as with anything, there are lemons in every bunch.

If you're concerned about a drive failing, buy one from a company with a good reputation and that will replace it without much of a hassle.

[cbboy777]

Any suggestions on which those companies are?

[ruderacer]

I have two DVD burners, one is an external LiteOn 851SX and the Plextor 716, and both are working fine. The LiteOn I've had for over 1.5 years and it works fine. The Plextor I bought about 3 months ago and it also works fine. It's like Ian said, there are lemons out there from the best companies. Prior to buying the Plextor, I had bought the Pioneer 109 and I returned it because I did not like it. Its a matter of preferrence. The Pio did not come with anything and the Plex came with the cables and Roxio and I got the Plex cheaper. Make sure you buy from someone who will give you good service and will allow you to return a drive if you don't like or if does work for you. Good Luck.

[hoxlund]

both drives i own (read sig) are kickass, but my personal pick goes to pioneer based drives

[dolphinius_rex]

I would say for build quality, Pioneer is probably one of the best... however I would also say that currently the Pioneer DVR-109 is the most dissapointing drive I have owned. It managed to usurp the Plextor PX-712a which previously held that position.

[Rpbertxyz]

I consider DVD burners throw aways. If they break, buy a new one. There so cheap now, that a lot of people are buying more than one.

[dolphinius_rex]

I consider DVD burners throw aways. If they break, buy a new one. There so cheap now, that a lot of people are buying more than one.

And in some cases... 8