Posted by Groucho on 04/27/06 05:23

"Rod Speed" <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:4ba4t2Fvqm5aU1@individual.net...
> Looking at adding another one to my current Pioneer 109,
> mainly so I have one in each of the main PCs.
>
> Makes sense to have more than one brand/model.

Yes, For a variety of reasons. I've found it very useful particularly when
you get a disc that's difficult to read in one drive it often can be read in
another.

>
> I only care about what will burn almost any media, even
> cheap and nasty media. I dont care much about burn
> speeds, what I care about is a reliable burn on any
> media without having to fart around doing test burns.

Sounds like you need a burner that doesn't totally rely on writing strategys
in firmware. Some drives such as BenQ have a learning mode for both known
and unknown media. After a few discs have been burned and learned you'll get
best possible writing strategy. Comes in very handy to get the best out of
mediocre media.

>
> So that basically means a brand/model that has
> decent firmware support into the future, and decent
> performance with the current firmware too.

> I mostly burn RWs, but do care about the R performance too.

>
> What do people like currently, particularly
> those with the same criteria ?
>
BenQ 1640 or 1650 would be my recommendation. It will complement the 109
very well. Better with +R media than the P109. Learning ability to improve
write quality. Very well respected drives amongst enthusiasts.

The LG 4167 is not as good as the previous 4163B

Check out forums at www.cdfreaks.com

[Back to original message]