External DVD writers

[ik9000]

Hi folks, will need to get myself an external DVD drive since my new laptop won't have a DVD drive. Any recommendations/tips on ones to avoid?

[Spreadie]

I have a Samsung SE-208GB - no complaints here, and I've seen them in Tesco recently, going for peanuts.

[ik9000]

I have a Samsung SE-208GB - no complaints here, and I've seen them in Tesco recently, going for peanuts.

Nearly orderd one of those but it gets panned in the amazon feedback - retaining discs, noisy-as, unreliable etc. Maybe you got lucky? Is it slot or tray?

[AETAaAS]

I've got the exact same one, it is a tray loader. A lot of the feedback I saw earlier was related to Samsung supplying a single headed USB lead. And in actuality, it can burn a disc with just one lead but it can be hit and miss weather or not any one socket on your system will deliver the current needed. If you are unfortunate, you may need to fork out a couple extra quid for a double headed cable.

I've had mine for about a year now, burnt many CDs and DVDs on it, all verified no problem. I've never had it underrun or die in the middle of a burn. Oh the bane of my early Yamaha CD burner. I don't think it is any louder than any other slimline optical, if anything it is quieter by virtue of being run at a lower speed to allow for the single USB lead, this can be configued using a TSST tool you can download.

[Ttaskmaster]

With teh low low prices these days, just about any reputable brand will do, surely?
I've got two Samsungs, both tray and they've been great over the years.

I'd personally go tray, as they're easy to pop open in the event of any failure... or if you accidentally shut down before remembering to eject!

[Spreadie]

Nearly orderd one of those but it gets panned in the amazon feedback - retaining discs, noisy-as, unreliable etc. Maybe you got lucky? Is it slot or tray?

It's a tray loading model - it's been flawless for me, but I got an external enclosure for my slot-loading Blu Ray drive just a few days ago, so the Samsung will be gathering dust for the forseeable.

[Pob255]

I used a LiteOn eTAU-208 at work for a few years, never had any issues with it. http://www.liteonodd.com/en/dvd-exte...l/etau208.html it's one of the old clam shell type, not sure if you can still get them though.

You could try the Buffalo media station, it's got two usb cables built into it (so you don't lose them)

Other thing is if the laptop has a "quick charge" usb port (normally only one or two specific usb ports will be quick charge) use that port as it should put out more current.

While USB 2.0 port should cap out at 500 mA many don't often it's 500 mA across all ports, so if you do have power issues, only have the dvdrw plugged in, nothing else, plug it directly in not through a hub, unless the hub has separate power.

[ik9000]

XPS13 so it has 1 thunderbolt/USB-C and 2xUSB3.0 (one high power) - so I will make sure I use that one. Thanks for the tip.

[virtuo]

I've got the slot-load Samsung USB drive, not currently available on Amazon although I think I got it elsewhere - under £20 around Jan/Feb this year. Little bit loud at full tilt as it's a fast motor in a small package but it works fine and hasn't retained a disc yet. I use mine mostly for reading discs, but the burner works perfectly as well.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Sli.../dp/B00FNOM7KY

[AGTDenton]

I have both an LG slim DVD Writer and Samsung slim BluRay Writer.
Only issue with Samsung is that it won't boot from it. Otherwise no complaints.
Both are very old but have been very reliable minus Samsungs non boot issue.
The LG has been connected to numerous computers both Retail & Industrial and not had a single issue. Whereas my works LiteOn drives are hit and miss on which PC they will work. Wouldn't choose them just from that experience.