need help selecting a dvd writer

[greenbean]

I don't know much about dvd writers and I'm looking to buy my first one. I primarily want to use it to back up software and create picture cd's, things like that. I don't want to spend much and I see a lot of burners around $30 on newegg but I'm not sure if any of those will do. Also could use help selecting the proper media for whichever drive I buy. Also do burner work with copy protection?

Thanks.

[greenbean]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827106014

Is that drive any good? Low price and free shipping, I have a lite-on cd writer and it sounds like a chainsaw sometimes. Is that common with lite-on?

[TCAS]

Lite-On did score pretty high in producing CD writers but when came to DVD users and customers were not that happy with Lite-On brands. But still for $28 I would not worry about it after all the $28 only get you a good humberger lunch.

[hoxlund]

i would stay away from lite-on dvd writers, common understanding i think round these parts

here are some better ones:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6827101010

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6827136091

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6827249003

[Ian]

Check the montly DVD writer polls. This should give you an idea of which drives the people on this forum think are the best.

http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=22057

http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=21922

[hoxlund]

of course that works tons better then my idea, thx ian

[greenbean]

thanks I appreciate it!

[greenbean]

Think I'll go for the BenQ. Any suggested media?

[[buck]]

Another option is the Pioneer DVR-111 for $32 shipped at Newegg. It also comes with a 50pk of Verbatim inkjet printable 16X DVD-Rs (you need to select the Pioneer/Verbatim combo at the checkout screen)
edit: nevermind, it appears the DVD-Rs are now out of stock.

Personally, I'd probably for the BenQ as my primary drive, but the 50pk of Verbatim DVD-Rs makes it an incredible deal.

[greenbean]

hmm yea that is a good deal. so that drive is not as good as the benQ though?

[hoxlund]

im partial to pioneer, ive had mine since they first came out

still a solid performer, but i never use it for burning anymore

it is only used for dvd-rom use during the copying process

[greenbean]

well that free 50 pack is out of stock it seems.

[greenbean]

do i need dvd-r or dvd+r for the benQ?

[[buck]]

do i need dvd-r or dvd+r for the benQ?

Either, doesn't matter. I'd recommend Verbatim DVD+Rs.

[greenbean]

ok, I wasn't sure if it was picky.