So, I haven't found much written about the 1213S here on this forum, and I've been looking long and hard. I have a 415S that I've upgraded several times and now is a 832S. I also have a 851S that I've upgraded to a 832S (Same firmware in both) and they work great. Needed to buy a burner for my school so I went looking for either the 415S or the 851S, or even the 832S but can't find them. All are sold out/on back order. What's wrong with the newer 1213S which is abundant and at a decent price? I know that the newer 16Speed LiteOn's have had their share of problems and I'm avoiding them at the present. Any opinions, etc. would be appreciated, or information about where I can buy one of the drives I'm looking for. Would you buy a 1213S???? Thanks in advance!

no i would't buy a 1213, 1633, 1553, 1673, or any of their incarnations unless it was for a specific purpose (like i did -- kprobe). they just are not good drives.

you are having problems finding 8 series liteon's because the are not being made any more.

I cannot find any either. I would have to say they are virtually gone. A lot of users would avoid Liteon as their primary burner; you might want to look at BenQ 1620 if you want scanning ability. If you want a drive you don't need to scan look at the Pioneer 108/109 or the NEC 3500/3520. The newer models have firmware bugs that are sure to be worked out.

I would sell you my 812@832 but you would have to sign a waiver.

So, if any of these drive you mention can write with Bit-Setting, I would be interested. Might be interested in signing a waiver too....really- I'm not kidding. I'm desperate to buy a drive that works like the ones I have already.

Any of the drives above can be flashed to allow bitsetting with hacked firmware. Most of these firmwares are right at this website or close by. I would get the 3520 here:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...152-035&depa=1

and then get the 1.24 firmware here: http://www.micheldeboer.nl/firmware/

chas, Thanks for the info. I just purchased the 3520A from NewEgg! I also went and looked at the firmware to download for it. Which is better, the 1.24 Modified firmware or the new beta3 by Liggy's And Dee's?

The 1213S, getting back on topic, was the first of the "3S" drives.

You don't see much about them here, as due to a complete lack of any firmware updates for ages, anyoune here with one has probably crossflashed it to a 1633S or 1653S - as their firmware tends to be better, and adds the extra speed and DL.

Still would like to know which firmware is best for the NEC. Would like for bitsetting to be on automatically if possible. As far as the 12 speed LiteOn....still interested, but more from a developmental/theoretical perspective as such, especially, since I don't have one and don't plan to buy one in the future unless new developments come along.

I have never needed to modify my NEC firmware because the burns are always perfect with the media I use and I don't need bitsetting. If I were to change this I would want the firmware that changed as little as possible so I would go with the 1.25 (now available) as it makes no unauthorized changes and actually comes from an NEC reseller. Make sure you read carefully before you modify your firmware, as always, it will void your warranty.

http://www.micheldeboer.nl/firmware/

Thanks again Chas....Yes, I know about firmware changes...have done a ton of them in my past...first on Apex Stand alones, then Cyberhome units, then on several LiteOn DVD-RW drives....never had a problem...guess I'm lucky in that regard. I need bitsetting as we'll be using this for my school to make discs from our graduations and other events, which then get passed on to our graduates, parents, etc. I need what is most compatible with any and every DVD stand alone as well as computer drive. I've found that DVD-ROM does this, for the most part.

I just flashed my 3500 with NEC 2.18 (218btrpc1) using Liggy's binflash so I could add bitsetting. It worked like a charm. I don't know if it will apply to yours, but I had to go to the bitsetting tab and change the +R/RW to ROM and then apply. I checked my next +R burn and it is ROM.

I am sure you will like your 3520; I know it will be my next drive.