Question : Problem: Which Internal DVD Player/Writer to Purchase?

Thank you, in advance, for any assistance you might offer:

I'm still burning CD's. I'd like to get an internal DVD player/writer.

1. What specifications do you suggest I look for?

2. And what particular brand/model?

3. Should I get a "combined" CD/DVD player/burner?

4. Is there anything I should avoid?

5. Should I get one at all--meaning is there a new technology out there that's much better and that's about to be introduced?

I'm sure I've forgotten something. Nevertheless, any help you might offer will be, as I mentioned, appreciated.


Marylyn :)

Answer : Problem: Which Internal DVD Player/Writer to Purchase?

Greetings marylyn27,
> 1. What specifications do you suggest I look for?

Go with the newer technologies and it will last you a longer time.  That is, get a DL (Dual Layer) capable drive.  In addition, make sure the drive supports both DVD-RW and DVD+RW (they are both different formats and most today support both).  You might consider getting a drive that supports DVDRAM, but those aren't used much so unless you have a specific need for it, I wouldn't go out of my way to look for one.
 
> 2. And what particular brand/model?

The crappiest products can work great for some people.  The BEST products can be crappy for some people.  The idea is to MINIMIZE the odds you get a crappy product so you should get the best you can afford.  Which is that?  Well I can tell you one thing and someone else can tell you another, and yet someone else can say something else?  Who can you believe?  All of us.  Or none of us.  That's why I suggest basing your purchasing decision by ratings for players as found here:
http://www.videohelp.com/dvdwriters.php?&orderby=Rating


> 3. Should I get a "combined" CD/DVD player/burner?

All DVD burners (for a computer) can also burn CDs and play them as well.

> 4. Is there anything I should avoid?

Older drives that only support one format the "-R" or "+R" only format.

> 5. Should I get one at all--meaning is there a new technology out there
> that's much better and that's about to be introduced?

There's always new technology.  But the HDDVD/Bluray fromat probably won't appear for computer use for another 6-18 months and even then it'll take some time to become dominant.  Frankly, I'd suggest a Samsung DVD+/-RW DL drive - Microcenter has them (and I suspect many other vendors) for as little as $40 plus shipping and possibly tax.  I have one and have been quite happy with it.


Cheers!