DVD Burner

[Kersten Lee]

Hi All,

Our CD burner, no a compact disc burner, died. I can get a Pacific Digital Mach 16 for 69 dollars local. Could anyone tell me if that Pacific is a good cd and dvd burner or would I be better off spending more for another. I am not too smart about home computors. Reliability, function, service and then price are my order of priorities. I have searched several hours on the net for reviews. There were only a couple that were not recommended. Is it that most are of equal quality?

Thank you friends,
Kersten

[GalicianGirl(SO)]

Hi Kersten,

I have an HP on my computer which I really like and it runs somewhere around $99.00. A lot of the CD/DVD burners are made by a couple of Japanese companies, they just put different names on them. I usually try to stick to a brand I know and that I can depend on...

Sharon(SO)

[Kersten Lee]

Sharon,

You are always so lovely!

A friend said he preferred HP and Sony. I know the cheapest isn't always the best buy!

Thanks for helping,
Kersten

[Jadeanne]

Kersten,

I agree with Sharon(SO) that there are a smaller number of actual makers than brand names. A number of brand names use drives from more than one source.

I personally don't rank Pacific Digital as high as HP, Sony, Samsung, or TDK.

As for pricing, a CD burner generally is cheaper than a DVD and CD burner.

There are also some drives that burn CDs and only read DVDs.

As you are looking, it pays to check the specifications.

If you care to post questions, I can post my answers/opinions.

Good luck,

Jadeanne

[Carol Ann]

Hi Kersten, I too don't know much about add on hardware. I purchased a brand called "Mag Dog" from Office Max for $69.00. It will burn and play anything even movies. Carol Ann

[Alexandra]

My concerns would be that after installing a new drive, it would just work without a whole lot of re-configuring and/or installing/reinstalling new software. here's a good place for reviews of all things computer: cnet.com

[Jamie Ann]

Hi All,

Our CD burner, no a compact disc burner, died. I can get a Pacific Digital Mach 16 for 69 dollars local. Could anyone tell me if that Pacific is a good cd and dvd burner or would I be better off spending more for another. ... Reliability, function, service and then price are my order of priorities. ... Is it that most are of equal quality?

Thank you friends,
Kersten

Like others who have responded, I usually go with brand names that have reputations to uphold. I have a HP dvd writer / cd writer combo, which has been very reliable. It uses Sonic™ “RecordNow!” software, which guides you through the process (which is about as easy as writing to a 3½" floppy). Consumer Reports did a comparison of dvd recorders in their March 2003 issue. Unfortunately, I did not keep that issue and thus I cannot say much about comparative prices and quality, but I think the item I have was at or near the top.

[Kersten Lee]

Hi,

Thank you all for the advice and help.

Happy New Year,
Kersten