advice needed re DVD rewriter

  • Thread starter Thread starter Andy
  • Start date Start date
A

Andy

Im looking to buy a DVD rewriter to replace my cd rewriter. My question is
'does one size fit all'? i.e if i go into PC world will any dvd rw on the
shelf fit into my tower?
It says 'justlink' on my cd rw if thats any help to which DVD rw will fit.

Sorry if its a daft question but im a new user!

Any help appreciated.
 
Andy said:
Im looking to buy a DVD rewriter to replace my cd rewriter. My question is
'does one size fit all'? i.e if i go into PC world will any dvd rw on the
shelf fit into my tower?
It says 'justlink' on my cd rw if thats any help to which DVD rw will fit.

Sorry if its a daft question but im a new user!

Any help appreciated.
Click to expand...

Justlink as far as I know is something to do with buffer underrun and
not the physical size of the kit. I think barring external drives the
rest are one size fits all ... don't know about laptops though :O)
 
Andy,
Yes you will be able to install it just fine in your case, in my experience
with building computers sometimes Compaq can through you for a loop...
Is yours custom built tower or a Name brand?
ie: Dell / Compaq / HP
Most all Drive Bays are the same in size it's just the mounting holes that
can be a little creative...
You mentioned removing your CD drive, is your new DVD going to be a
DVD-RW/CDRW ?

Regards,
L391
 
Check the specs of the drive. Form Factor should be 5.25" H(eight)= 1 or
lower (1/2). Of course, all internal DVD drives should fit in an empty 5.25"
bay.
JustLink is a technology (by Ricoh) to prevent 'buffer underwrite errors' -
i.e. make sure the recording on media is not corrupted. But most if not all
CD/DVD RW's employ a similar technology. JustLink has no connection with the
Form Factor (physical dimensions) of your DVD RW.
Make sure you get R+, R-, Dual Layer and the highest speed you can afford to
pay for. Check what software comes with the driver as well - Nero's better
than Roxio, at least for me.
Michael
 
DVD writers are all the same size, as long as they are "internal" writers.
Any of them will fit. Highly recommend getting either the Pioneer 108 model
or the NEC 3500. NewEgg.com has the NEC on sale right now for $68, but it
will be a bare OEM drive with no software. If you want software, you can
spend $76 and get this one:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-152-034&depa=0

Chances are that your current software will not work with a new burner. If
you prefer retail, the NEC is available in several different packages.
MadDog and TDK 16x burners should be NEC. The Pioneer is fairly easy to find
too, NewEgg also has them..
 
L391 said:
Andy,
Yes you will be able to install it just fine in your case, in my
experience
with building computers sometimes Compaq can through you for a loop...
Is yours custom built tower or a Name brand?
ie: Dell / Compaq / HP
Most all Drive Bays are the same in size it's just the mounting holes that
can be a little creative...
You mentioned removing your CD drive, is your new DVD going to be a
DVD-RW/CDRW ?
Click to expand...
 
Trying to steal the thunder from Arnold said:
Im looking to buy a DVD rewriter to replace my cd rewriter. My question is
'does one size fit all'? i.e if i go into PC world will any dvd rw on the
shelf fit into my tower?
Click to expand...

In a word... yes.
 
Where in the world........PC World ------------- you must be joking....

go elsewhere and you'll save enough for about 50 blanks


KLUNK
 
Im looking to buy a DVD rewriter to replace my cd rewriter. My question is
'does one size fit all'? i.e if i go into PC world will any dvd rw on the
shelf fit into my tower?
Click to expand...

Physically? It should basically the same size as your CD rewriter
(standard size) -- ie. fitted for a standard 5.25" drive bay. The
only variance seems to be in the length of the drive (front to back).
Some of the longer drives can be a problem if your case is compact or
you have a full length expansion card in the way.

However, you should check out some reviews before buying though. It's
a little more involved than taking a tape measure to the store and
saying "Yup, that looks like it will fit". Even though prices are
down and DVD has become nearly standard equipment, the DVD burner and
media hasn't really matured to the point where CD burners and media
are. Some burners are better than others for burn quality and media
compatibility, and there's a lot of crappy media out there.
It says 'justlink' on my cd rw if thats any help to which DVD rw will fit.
Click to expand...

Nope. Justlink is the buffer underrun protection scheme. Nothing to
do with the physical size of the drive. At this point, all drives
have it or something similar and they all work well, so it's not worth
worrying about.
 
Andy said:
Im looking to buy a DVD rewriter to replace my cd rewriter. My question is
'does one size fit all'? i.e if i go into PC world will any dvd rw on the
shelf fit into my tower?
It says 'justlink' on my cd rw if thats any help to which DVD rw will fit.

Sorry if its a daft question but im a new user!

Any help appreciated.
Click to expand...

When you go to PC World remember that the going rate for a DVD writer in
the UK is around 50 pounds. If you want value for money it might be
worth finding a proper computer retailer near you.

Cheers.

James.
 
James said:
When you go to PC World remember that the going rate for a DVD writer in
the UK is around 50 pounds. If you want value for money it might be
worth finding a proper computer retailer near you.

Cheers.

James.
Click to expand...

There are definitely some huge discrepancies in price depending on
retailer. The only good thing about buying local is the ease of return
if the goods are dodgy.
 
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