New DVD Writer

[Plod2151]

OK so I'm replacing my Pioneer DVD and DVDwr drives with a new DVDwr drive simply because they are beige and my case is black. These Pioneer drives have worked faultlessly from the day I got them so I'd like a new drive which functions just as well

Criteria
1 Fast drive possibly 18 speed if possible
2 Black
3 SATA would be an advatage as I could remove an IDE cable and improve cooling.

It seems £20 to £30 could get me any drive which is amazing.

Recommend away

[Fabula]

All the current gen ones are more than good enough. The technology is mature so there is no longer too much difference between the drives.
Go with a name you've heard of that has the features you want.

Personally I would look for NEC (Think they are optiarc now) drives, as they consistantly seem to be good. But LG, pioneer etc should be good as well.

[Plod2151]

This drive seems to fit my needs http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/127260 Also some of the comments say the drive is very quiet which is handy as I forgot to mention it will eventually be in a HTPC. Are there any downsides to only having one drive? I realise I won't be able to copy CDs on the fly but I never do this anyway.

[Blitzen]

I have been after a Sata Lightscribe drive for ages.

Problem is that it only seems to be that crappy Samsung one available.

It just looks too cheap n nasty.

[Plod2151]

I thought Samsung electronics gear was top notch? Why's it crappy? Is lightscribe the one that can put pics onto your discs?

[DratUK]

This drive seems to fit my needs http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/127260 Also some of the comments say the drive is very quiet which is handy as I forgot to mention it will eventually be in a HTPC. Are there any downsides to only having one drive? I realise I won't be able to copy CDs on the fly but I never do this anyway.

Decent product at a decent price.
If want to see what potential issues there are then look at here

that should at least provide you with enough info to make an informed choice.

[Plod2151]

Jesus those chaps are serious about their drives

[luvclub]

I recommend the Samsung SATA lightscribe (SH-S183L) which I have. It is a quiet drive...much quieter than my previous Pioneer.

As for looks, the bezel does look very plasticky and plain, but I'm not too worried as it is hidden behind the front door of my p180 case.

[Plod2151]

How does this lightscribe work and are the discs much more expensive?

[DratUK]

As the name suggests you can literally write to the blank side of the disk so, your own music collection list of bands etc. Yes the Lightscribe disks are more expensive.

http://svp.co.uk/products-list.php?bid=0&cid=116

You can check the differences and then make your choice.
Yep those guys at CD Freaks are scary.

[luvclub]

How does this lightscribe work and are the discs much more expensive?

After you have burnt the dvd with data (like normal) you would flip it over and place it back in the tray so that the label side is down.

If you have the necessary software e.g Nero you could then compose a label and burn it onto the label side. This would generate a monochrome image beneath the plastic surface.

Since the label side is special it is naturally more expensive than regular DVDs, but still affordable.