Where can i buy a Lite-ON 424-08 In the UK?

[Pilgrim_Uk]

Most sites have it listed but are all out of stock.

After much reading on the forums i have decided on this model but cannot find it anywhere. The plextor is also very similar but paying twice the price is a bit much. If i cannot get Lite-on might jut get the Optiarc AD-7241S or the 7261.

Any suggestions

[Ian]

I wish you the best of luck. The iHAS424-08 is hard to find in the US. I can't imagine its any easier in the UK.

You may be better off looking for the iHAS524. The only difference between it and the iHAS424 is support for LabelTag.

[redk9258]

What's special about iHAS424-08 as opposed to other Lite-On drives?

[Ian]

What's special about iHAS424-08 as opposed to other Lite-On drives?

There are two versions of the iHAS424. The iHAS424-08 is an actual Lite-On design where the iHAS424-98 is an Optiarc rebadge that doesn't support all the usual Lite-On stuff.

[redk9258]

So THE biggest manufacturer of optical drives that re-brands their stuff for everyone else buys from Optiarc to put the Lite-On name plate on? That's insane! What about the other models that are available from Newegg?

[Ian]

The iHAS-324-98 they're selling is an Optiarc as well. I'm not sure about the iHAS124 and iHAS224 they have up there though.

Lite-On and Optiarc seem to have some partnership going as Lite-On supplies some of Optiarcs drives but I never got a straight answer why Lite-On was selling rebadges. I kinda figured it was due to a shortage of Mediatek chipsets or something.

[redk9258]

I kinda figured it was due to a shortage of Mediatek chipsets or something.

That makes sense.

[SkaarjMaster]

I can't seem to find the 422-08 or 424-08 online in the USA. What's the deal with the 524s? Should I still try to find an -08 one? This is all I found at newegg, how is this one?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6827106347

It's either that or this LG with the biege bezel that I will need for the system it will go into:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6827136169

[Ian]

The iHAS524 supports Label Tag. Unless Lite-On is pawning off LabelFlash as Label Tag, it should have a Mediatek chipset.

You know that LG is IDE right?

[SkaarjMaster]

It will be for my Mom and I'm trying to get one with a beige bezel if I can, but it may be something I cannibalize in the future so it would be nice to get SATA but it may not be possible.

[SkaarjMaster]

Her MB is an Intel-based I875 with possibly first-generation SATA and regular IDE ports and I know she's only using the IDE right now. If neither of these will work, then any ideas on a good SATA that might still be available possibly also with a biege bezel extra piece?

Also, the 524 having a Mediatek chipset, is that bad or good?

[SkaarjMaster]

I just went ahead and ordered the IDE LG. Yes, I know I'm paying twice as much, but I really like the fact they include a biege bezel and I'm hoping my Mom's system will last at least another 2-3 years. To tell you the truth, I never expected DVD burner prices to be as low as they are anyway.

[Ian]

The only reason you'd really want a Mediatek based drive is for stuff like write quality testing. I'm guessing your mom won't be doing this so the LG should work great for her.

[SithTracy]

LG's are good solid writers and readers... no firmware support to speak of but I don't think it matters today.

[Dartman]

All the LG burners I have have burned disks nicely, they just don't do a lot of firmware updates like everyone says. They just tend to work well out of the box, then they come out with the next latest and greatest drive.
Nec was like that too, drives worked great from the start then not many updates after that, but solid burners.