DVD Writer and Software

[billythewiz]

I'm about to order a DVD writer from scan. Has anyone got any advice on what to get/avoid ?

Custom PC did a labs recently and recommended a Pioneer and a Samsung.

Part of my worry is that there seems to be a huge range of model numbers for every make of drive.

I mostly want this to backup digital photos and possibly for making some kid usable/disposable copies of kids DVDs.

I've no interest in copying feature films (honest ) or movie editing. I don't own a camcorder and I'm not likely to any time soon.

Scan have a similar Samsung but this one doesn't do DVD RAM. Is that a big issue ? It is SATA and comes with Nero though.

Or there's a Pioneer that looks like the one reviewed. This one does RAM but doesn't have software.

Both are dual layer (might be nice though media seems pricey compared to single). Neither are light scribe (is that just a gimick ?)

So finally the question of software.
Nero looks like a bit of a standard. Presumablly v7 - Essentials Suite is better than Suite3, despite them being the same price.

Is there anything free on the net that is better ?

All advice greatly appreciated.

[amjedm]

I think Pioneer and NEC writers are decent. I have an NEC 4550A.

Best place for info (if you want to look at in depth info) is http://club.cdfreaks.com/

Main site http://www.cdfreaks.com/

[Clunk]

NEC burner and Nero are a good combo.

[Workaholic]

Personally Samsung I find are the better of the two as they regularly offer firmware updates on their drives so that you can use the latest blank discs with the drives.

DVD Ram is hardly used and is basically a DVD-/+R in a protective casing. (or so I'm told!)

And lightscribe basically just lets you burn a label onto the top of a disc (but you MUST use the special lightscribe discs!)

[spazman]

I have a NEC and a Sony and id say the NEC has the higher quality feel, sony is faster but much much newer. Nero is worth every penny, quality software.

[Craig321]

Plextors are supposed to be good

[Fabula]

The technology is mature now, so any burner should be good enough. And for the price (£20), in the unlikely event that you have a problem, replacement is cheap.

That said, I would definately go for NEC for a normal drive. I have never had a problem with them, and they usually work very well.
For a premium drive, go Plextor. They can do quite a few more fun things with special software, but it is pointless for normal users. A 100% price premium for a few cool features that only geeks use. I have one...


Edit
As for software, Nero is easy to use for beginners, and powerful enough to do anything you want. And an OEM version 6 is dirt cheap as well. Version 7 just looks cooler.