***Notice the key word, LAPTOP. I have posted this message before (not here of course), and people seem to forget I have a LAPTOP when they recomend models. Please excuse my annoying intro***

Ok, so my Sony Drive (DW-D56A) died on me. Lucky me I'm still covered by Dell's warranty and they will send a repalcement soon. The thing is I'm gonna do some serious ripping and burning since I'm gonna back up my entire CD collection (350+ CD's) and some DVD's to prevent further lossess. I already started the process, but apparently the dirve couldn't take it. Right now I'm thinking about these options:

1-Getting an inexpensive drive to share the load so none of them get damaged.

2-Getting a Die-Hard External Burner that can withstand any pusnishment

3-Getting an inexpensive Die-hard Burner (I've got to be dreaming, right?)

So there you have it. Feel free to suggest brands/models.

I would go with the Liteon 1693SX external, about $90 at Newegg.com.

Hands down the most die-hard, reliable, quality burner, with ahost of other features.
Of 7 burners, this is my most used.

Thanks for the fast reply. You are the first person that has suggested a model I can really use. I'll still wait for other recomendations though.

Seems like a thread better placed on the main ODD forum.

Is it external USB or IEEE 1394 or internal slim that you want? A DVD burner specifically for laptops mean an internal drive, not half-height but slim (about 9mm thick.) If you want external that has one's own power supply, there are basically two options:

1. slim external
2. external case + HH internal drive

Slim external drives are the most expensive because they are like internal notebook ODDs + portable case and power supply. Matsushita, Toshiba, LG, Samsung, etc. make notebook DVD burners. For HH form-factor external, visit the great external enclosure thread. There's no DVD burner that can withstand any punishment. If any, they are all fragile because they rotate very fast and the disks themselves are very large.

I have a Compaq V2000 with an internal DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive.

I am looking for an internal DVD burner. I thought I could google for one but it seems they are not easy to find, mostly what I come up with are for desktops. I even called HP and they would not sell me one, some line about my unit still being under warranty. Very wierd.

Any suggestions? My laptop is silver and I would like the drive to be matching. I did find a nice LG slim internal but it was black.

NEC ND-6650 $79.99 shipped. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827152048
Sony DW-Q58A (Lite-On SOSW-813S) $86.99 shipped. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827131260

The NEC and Sony/Lite-On have great community support here.
Both are black but maybe you can find a way to replace the face with your old one.

If want use solt-in,
I recommend Panasonic UJ-845S.

If want use Tray-in,
I recommend Panasonic UJ-841S,
its G-base Tray.

Hi, I have a Toshiba Satellite S1800-700 laptop and want to upgrade the CD/DVD Rom to a DVD/CD Writer (internal). Could anyone recommend a reasonably priced writer which is compatable with my laptop? (12.7mm high)

My New Ferrari 4005 has this drive -->Panasonic UJ-845S. So Far I am happy, but I cant find much support on it like My Lite-on. DOes anyone know where to find Bit setting or Firmware hacks for this drive?

I have no affiliation with maker or seller but having bought 2 of these from the below addy I have been using my old 2500A as an external burner with exellent results. I replaced the 2500 with a 3500 just to keep things up to date in my desktop and could not see retiring a perfectly good burner and why buy an enclosure if you really don't need one? This adapter also lets you use old IDE hard drives as external though I would get a case for that unless you just need quick and dirty access and not planning to travel with it. Hope it helps.

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...2IDE-N&cat=CBL

With similar laptop spec yet different demand, please anyone help recommend me "AN EXTERNAL DVD WRITER"

I am an absolute idiot when speaking about all these laptop stuffs. Yet due to the need of mine to write down/backup larger-than-1-gig film projects (which are supposed to be able to perfectly ripped later!), I do really need an external dvd writer properly worked with my compaq laptop.

Followings are my preferences:
PRICE: £ 70-90 // $ 90-130
SPEED: it doesn't matter much
QUALITY OF WRITE/READ/RIP: my high emphasis
DISK COMPATIBLE: as much as possible, all formats are preferred.
DVD WRITE METHOD: multi-session allowed
In case that it is helpful, I normally transfer the files from my laptop to that burner, not directly from any camcorder. Please help recommend me as soon as possible since I do really need to buy and use it by this coming tuesday.

I'd go with NEC ones..

Which spec?.. I am sorry to ask such this disturbing question but I have no idea about it, truly.

I've tried searching for information within and outside this forum..and what I have seen is recommendation on following external dvd writers:

- -LITE-ON SOHW-1693SX (16X8X4X/16X6X4x/16X/+48X24X48X DVD-Dual Drive)
- -Sony DRX-710UL External Dual Layer DVD±RW Writer
- -Pioneer DVR-R100
- -LG - GSA-5169D

any comment on these in particular?
Or, still, any recommendation on other brands?

Your best bet would be to make to make your own, but you need the right chipset to make it work and I have no info as to where you might get a Prolific 3507 case in the UK.

Given that, the Liteon 1693SX is one of the best all-round drives I have found and has a wide range of features I have not found in other drives. Also, at least here in the US, it is very cheap.

==========================================

==========================================
I. T_T" Although I would love to make one of my own, I am certain that it's mission impossible! That's why I do need as-best-as-possible almost-all-required-features-in-one external dvd writer which is normally available in the market. First, I am an overseas student here. Second, I absolutely have no knowledge about pc/laptop modification.

II.
For that Liteon 1693SX, it seems that I cannot find it here in UK.
As well, even in neweeg.com, there is only LITE-ON Black USB 2.0 External DVD Burner Model SHW-1635SX - Retail available.

III.
Since my aim is to make use of writing and ripping high-quality dvd (which may probably contain back-up files, film & graphic project files--those from adobe family to such AVI and MPG, particularly the latter), what will be the best choice for me then?

IV.
^____^ I love when you continue reading until this line. Thank you for your help, patience with my ignorance, and truly fast replies.

The 1635 has already been superceded by that 6th generation and I would make the move to one of those. So far the SHM-165P6S looks like the best bet but still has trouble with -R media so it is a little early and I don't know of any external drives.

What are your other choices? The LG externals are good as well and if you are looking at pre-fab, you are really limited.

The nature of the files you write will not make a difference. The fact you want ripping for DVDs limits your choices as a few drives are riplocked.

I see..
So, what you will recommend me, at least for this time, tends to be that SHM-165P65 then. However, I personally quite favour LG due to its function, reasonable price, and innovative force. Still, which spec is ok then? Let's say if my desire to rip the files from DVD will limit my choice, I may switch to find the dvd writer/reader which supports all-format high-quality writer/reader as my prime reason of buying while leave aside the ripping ability to...fate? (lol)

How about BENQ? Or should I now stick with Lite-On and LG only?
Somebody recommends me NEC as well, as you may have seen in earlier post, how is NEC then, when comparing to Lite-On and LG...?

As well, don't forget to tell me the specific spec/model.

TO EARTH WITH LOVE.
Cheers!

It really depends on what you have available. Given Liteon, NEC, and LG, you need to tell us what is available otherwise the advice will just lead you down a dead end. Most of the models I am familiar with are probably not available over there.

Followings are links I have looked for available dvd writers in UK, please help have a look:

http://www.dealtime.co.uk/xPP-cd_and...-6366_external
http://www.dealtime.co.uk/xPP-cd_and...-6366_external
http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/p...0s0n0m0&page=1
http://computing.kelkoo.co.uk/ctl/do...0,USB,External

I think it will be easier for you to have a look at the links above, each contains model, sample image and price ( here, the price is much higher than in the states, huh~)

Actually, a few people were disappointed with the 1673 and it is rather old. Of the models listed I would get the 1635 but I am curious which LG that un-named model is. The 1635 has the best chance of staying current for a while.

The LG 2164 might be a decent burner but I have not read anything yet.

What a fast reply!
Do you have msn messenger?
If yes, will it be better if we have a talk over there?
So that this thread will not be just a personal thread of my need of dvd writer in UK... Let me know, if it's ok, I shall PM you my account but if you prefer to have a talk here, I'm fine with it

another link with model, image, price.
http://www.ciao.co.uk/Drives_5220738_3

We are better off here as you will be able to get input from many more people.

I did some digging and my recommendation stands for an external. Over there, currently, the Liteon 1635 would be best. I suggest here:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatal...RW_Drives.html

I got my NEC 4570 from them.

Also see here for comments on the 1635:

http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=154554

I've read that thread already.
And that thread, with relevant others plus your recommendation, convince me to carefully think about this Lite-On model's capability, not get stuck to its design.
By the way, what does it mean when some say that it is essential to upgrade the firmware? Do I also have to do that upgrading thing? If yes, can you give me the link to any thread that contains the how-to thing? I

Danke sehr

Upgrading firmware is fairly straightforward. You just run the file and take care to identify your drive. It is essential to keep current with discs and burning strategies.

Don't have a disc in the drive and if it is in an external enclosure use USB not firewire and don't lose power. That's it.