external dvd writer [Mobile/Archive]

munch

01-31-2006, 07:22 PM

External one's are usually more expensive than internal ones (The exception is a huge sale, but the norm is internal are cheaper).

I receommend making your own. Buy a cheper internal burner and put into an external encasing. It's simple as hell to do and should save you a few bucks.

Aleryn

01-31-2006, 10:04 PM

Yeah most if not all External Drives nowadays hookup via USB, and most via USB 2.0... much much faster.

specialk

02-01-2006, 01:27 AM

how much do the external casings run, munch?
i'm also assuming the include the usb hookups (dumb question)?

munch

02-01-2006, 08:08 AM

how much do the external casings run, munch?
i'm also assuming the include the usb hookups (dumb question)?

Yeah, they include the hookups. external casings can go anywhere from $20 to $60, depending on what you want. The more expensive ones include a fan, which is a must if you're hooking up a HD. I don't think it's as bad for a DVD writer. It kind of cools itself witht the disc spinning creating air. You would also open it a lot, which would cool it. But if you're getting a HD, get one with a fan!

munch

02-01-2006, 08:53 AM

this may sound like a stupid question, but did you say that the internal ones hook up by usb, also.....and usb 2.0s can work on regular usbs, right?

Yeah, it hooks up through USB. You can buy them with firewire, too.

specialk

02-01-2006, 11:46 AM

munch

02-01-2006, 12:00 PM

so the same external casing can work for a hard drive or a dvd burner?

thanks in advance for the help. i've been scouting dvd burners since christmas but haven't pulled the trigger yet b/c i'm not sure what's a godo deal and what's not. any advice there is welcome.

Yeah. I have this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817145654) case. It works for burners or HDDs. I really like this one, but it's kind of pricey because of the fan. I'd say just look around on newegg and see what you can find.

clariste

02-01-2006, 12:07 PM

Huge YMMV.

Microcenter has an external for $24.99 right now (thru 2/18), but I believe it's a price mistake. See their ad here: http://www.microcenter.com/images/specials/0206a.back.full.jpg (upper left corner of page under the Samsung OEM drives) The SKU listed is wrong, the correct SKU is 549238. They have taken the product off the website b/c of the mistake.

If you can find one in store, you can maybe get it for that price. Also, you can try ordering over the phone (1-800-634-3478). Good luck.

WebScud

02-01-2006, 04:42 PM

Get a FireWire 800 one for ultimate speed. ;)

Kinda expensive though.

munch

02-01-2006, 05:37 PM

can anyone tell me if this one is good (or at least looks good)...http://www.coolerexpress.com/dwd22ame320.html

or any of these...
http://www.coolerexpress.com/externaldvdrw.html

It looks kind of ugly, if that's what you mean. :)

I think the writer is the most important part. Buy one that's quality and get an enclosure that's gotten good reviews. You should be in good shape, then.

Steggy

02-01-2006, 05:38 PM

can anyone tell me if this one is good (or at least looks good)...http://www.coolerexpress.com/dwd22ame320.html

or any of these...
http://www.coolerexpress.com/externaldvdrw.html

Buy this for a dvd burner.... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152058

And this for an enclosure...
http://www.directron.com/hd538.html

Steggy

02-01-2006, 05:41 PM

I hate lg burners for dvd's and gamecube games since they dont work with any media used... That NEC burner I lonked you to is one of the nicest burners ive come across since it does any burns flawless. Get either that or any cheapo lite-on drive. The items i linked you above costs around the 60 bucks.

munch

02-01-2006, 05:59 PM

Buy this for a dvd burner.... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152058

And this for an enclosure...
http://www.directron.com/hd538.html

That looks good. I was going to get that exact burner, but since I was worried about compatibility issues with a mac, i got a lite-on. I've heard nothing but good things about NEC, though.

Steggy

02-01-2006, 06:18 PM

ok than get this... http://www.coolerexpress.com/bynd16exusb2.html

since its the eexact same burner I suggested to you

Steggy

02-01-2006, 06:20 PM

WO NEVERMIND! Dont buy from that ridiculous site... Shipping was 30 dollars for standard ups. That is insane. I suggest just going the initial route i suggested.

munch

02-01-2006, 09:51 PM

I hope you weren't discouraged from doing it yourself. i'm a total newb to computer stuff, and the process was sooooooo easy. It was so easy that I thought I was doing something wrong. I hooked it up and it just worked. Then again, I do have a Mac, so that helps :)

Pratt75

02-02-2006, 03:50 PM

I have an external dvd burner I never use. I purchased it and found that I never use the thing so I'm looking for a buyer. It is excellent condition. If anyone is interested in buying it from me please PM me.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=IODVDWSU161Q&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=371406