DVD Drive Recommendation? Do I Need Dual Layer ?

I am looking to replace my CD drive with a DVD CDR Drive. It has been a while since I have shopped hardware so I am out of the loop. I did some research but nothing involved. I will occasionally watch a movie using the computer and an LCD along with reading writing files of all sorts, backups, in both CD and DVD formats. Rather than keeping my old CD RW drive and adding a DVD only I want to just get a do-all drive. So . . .

Do I need dual layer? I kinda' know what it is. What is a respectable speed? I am not particularly brand loyal so I am open in regards to any brand. The drive will be for home use so it won't be used too much.

I will be installing myself so that will not be an issue. Specs are in my sig if that is a deciding point.

Thanks for any advice.

 

Dual layer is a type of writer for DVD to use it you need a specific type of writeable DVD.

A dual layer dvd can hold around 8gb (using a dual layer DVD writer)

A single layer standard one can hold around 4.5 gb

Dual layer discs are more expensive, but if you feel you need the capacity go ahead and buy one, the prices can only come down.

Hopefully someone else will be able to give you more detailed information.

Matt

 

I think I can help! I'm on my third DVD burner. I think the NEC ND-3550 is a awesome product. I had a Samsung model, and it bit the dust WAY too early. (I only got a handful of burns from it), and I currently have a LiteOn burner that I am just waiting on the expiration of. The price of the NEC is great, too. I paid $60 CDN, and now its way cheaper than that, even. (At least, where I bought it) Check out www.newegg.com!

 

Mada -

Thanks for the reply. The drive looks to be a great deal - but I have a silly question, does it read as well? For example, could I put data CD's?DVD's in to be read, copied, installed?

Thanks.

 

Yes, the newer burners will do it all, cd's, cdrw, dvd, dvd-rw. ed

 

I have a NEC-3550a, an Excellant DVD/CD burner!

 

Fella's -

Thanks for all of the useful input. I ordered the NEC drive yesterday from Newegg as Mada recommended. I paid $30 bucks and 4 bucks for standard two day shipping (I also treated myself to Super Monkey Ball Deluxe for PS2 ). To my delight the packages arrived at my door less than 24 hours later! Funny they had very expensive overnight and 1 day shipping options.

Anyway, I installed the drive today turned on the computer . . . . BIOS froze! Arghhh. So I contemplated a bit. . . . silly me I forgot to set the jumpers correctly. Problem solved.

Thanks again for all the help and advice. If things go bad I will come back and yell at everybody!