USB2/Firewire dual 8xDVD burner

Plextor, freecom, sony & lite-on all do external drives and first impressions I would go with the lite-on USB2 drive. That would be quick and convenient option but perhaps not the best. I notice you can take the DIY route and build your own external device so I was considering the NEC2500A drive + Belkin drive enclosure which gives me flexibility to swap things around later which is likely to happen. To add to the confusion I have to decide between oem or retail drives and whether or not the software bundle is any good. I need a drive + software so what do you think is the best option.

Ed^

Dont really know much about external drives, but I can say, if you are going for the retail option, then the PLextor warranty service is 1st class, very impressive, replaced my plextor 708A within a week and cost me nothing as its a collect and return service ! :)

erm not to sure about external drives. but making ur own sounds cool. what kit would u require? u have a notebook then. that why external?

The build-your-own usually works out cheaper plus you can specify a top-quality drive and replace it when dual-layer burners come out.