BenQ 1655 with lightscribe OEM $39.99 + $4.99 s/h

[Ghettocowboy]

arguably the best drive on the market
lowest price for this drive so far
link

$4 more for the retail version, I would personally go for the retail version, better deal. Some reported the retail version has better burning quality.

Retail version

 

[Wedge1]

Originally posted by: Ghettocowboy
arguably the best drive on the market
lowest price for this drive so far
link

$4 more for the retail version, I would personally go for the retail version, better deal. Some reported the retail version has better burning quality.

Retail version

I'm not sure how or why the retail would have better burn quality, but bump for a good deal nonetheless.

 

[conehead433]

Originally posted by: Wedge1

Originally posted by: Ghettocowboy
arguably the best drive on the market
lowest price for this drive so far
link

$4 more for the retail version, I would personally go for the retail version, better deal. Some reported the retail version has better burning quality.

Retail version

I'm not sure how or why the retail would have better burn quality, but bump for a good deal nonetheless.

It's exactly the same drive as the retail version, but doesn't come with Nero software, cables, or mounting screws, so if you need those get the retail version.

 

[mininuke]

it will come with Nero version 6.6.0.14

 

[Budarow]

Just installed mine over the weekend...will report back after I give it a "spin".

 

[nomadh]

Bump to let people know how good this drive is. Maybe other new generation drives are as good as this ....... but I doubt it. I can tell you there is none better because it can't get better currently without alien technology If you don't always get quality scans > 92% with all types of media then buy this drive.

 

[Mercmaster]

Originally posted by: conehead433

Originally posted by: Wedge1

Originally posted by: Ghettocowboy
arguably the best drive on the market
lowest price for this drive so far
link

$4 more for the retail version, I would personally go for the retail version, better deal. Some reported the retail version has better burning quality.

Retail version

I'm not sure how or why the retail would have better burn quality, but bump for a good deal nonetheless.

It's exactly the same drive as the retail version, but doesn't come with Nero software, cables, or mounting screws, so if you need those get the retail version.

They're not "exactly" the same, if you look at both of the faceplates, you will see the differences.

The OEM version has a dull black faceplate compared to the retail version which has a glossy faceplate that comes with a protective plastic sheet over it (retail version matches a gloss black case much better), the eject button is a bit different as well.

The internal components should be the same even though some members of cdfreaks swear that the retail versions produce better burns.

I have two retail versions and they both produce better burns than the two BenQ DW1640's that I have.

MM

 

[probzy]

Got one.

 

[Ghettocowboy]

Originally posted by: Mercmaster

Originally posted by: conehead433

Originally posted by: Wedge1

Originally posted by: Ghettocowboy
arguably the best drive on the market
lowest price for this drive so far
link

$4 more for the retail version, I would personally go for the retail version, better deal. Some reported the retail version has better burning quality.

Retail version

I'm not sure how or why the retail would have better burn quality, but bump for a good deal nonetheless.

It's exactly the same drive as the retail version, but doesn't come with Nero software, cables, or mounting screws, so if you need those get the retail version.

They're not "exactly" the same, if you look at both of the faceplates, you will see the differences.

The OEM version has a dull black faceplate compared to the retail version which has a glossy faceplate that comes with a protective plastic sheet over it (retail version matches a gloss black case much better), the eject button is a bit different as well.

The internal components should be the same even though some members of cdfreaks swear that the retail versions produce better burns.

I have two retail versions and they both produce better burns than the two BenQ DW1640's that I have.

MM

I am glad you bring it up, I looked up on CDFREAKS original thread about OEM VS Retail on the BenQ 1655, but I couldn't find the thread. I am myself did not believe in any differences between OEM and the Retail Version except the retail version come equipped with accessories and software. Oh boy I was wrong, my OEM version does not produce good burn quality as my retail version . The OEM is not bad, still good overall, but cannot compare to the retail version.

 

[shoRunner]

Originally posted by: mininuke
it will come with Nero EXPRESS version 6.6.0.14

fix (for OEM)

 

[uhohs]

which drive produces better burns?
this 1655 or the 1650 that doesn't have lightscribe?

 

[Budarow]

I haven't had a chance to burn any media yet, but BenQ sure doesn't make it easy to install their OEM DW1655 drive. There's no diagram on the unit whatsoever regarding switch settings (e.g., cable select, master, slave) nor could I find a manual available on their webset for download for the DW1655. I did numerous google searches and never did find a diagram with switch settings.

I installed the unit with the switch in the default placement and at post, the unit wasn't recognized. At least the unit was recognized on my 1st guess of the master setting (1st set of pins on the left is the master switch).

The unit better burn well since it cost $13 more than a retail NEC 3550.

 

[LED]

Seems the [=Liteon]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106019[/L] are on sale as well ...tried both Lite-on's and Benqs, ...both are good but IMO the champ is Samsung which is going for 44.98 shipped and burns DVDRAM as well

 

[o2brew]

Originally posted by: Budarow
I haven't had a chance to burn any media yet, but BenQ sure doesn't make it easy to install their OEM DW1655 drive. There's no diagram on the unit whatsoever regarding switch settings (e.g., cable select, master, slave) nor could I find a manual available on their webset for download for the DW1655. I did numerous google searches and never did find a diagram with switch settings.

I installed the unit with the switch in the default placement and at post, the unit wasn't recognized. At least the unit was recognized on my 1st guess of the master setting (1st set of pins on the left is the master switch).

The unit better burn well since it cost $13 more than a retail NEC 3550.

I'm pretty sure the Master/Slave/Cable Select settings are marked right on the drive. On the top of the drive above the pins are three two-letter markings. CS, SL, and MA. I don't have the drive in front of me, but I think the MA setting is the one of the right. The default was set to Slave. This was on the OEM 1655. I'm sure the retail version is marked as well.

 

[Budarow]

Originally posted by: o2brew

Originally posted by: Budarow
I haven't had a chance to burn any media yet, but BenQ sure doesn't make it easy to install their OEM DW1655 drive. There's no diagram on the unit whatsoever regarding switch settings (e.g., cable select, master, slave) nor could I find a manual available on their webset for download for the DW1655. I did numerous google searches and never did find a diagram with switch settings.

I installed the unit with the switch in the default placement and at post, the unit wasn't recognized. At least the unit was recognized on my 1st guess of the master setting (1st set of pins on the left is the master switch).

The unit better burn well since it cost $13 more than a retail NEC 3550.

I'm pretty sure the Master/Slave/Cable Select settings are marked right on the drive. On the top of the drive above the pins are three two-letter markings. CS, SL, and MA. I don't have the drive in front of me, but I think the MA setting is the one of the right. The default was set to Slave. This was on the OEM 1655. I'm sure the retail version is marked as well.

If it's marked...it's really inconspicuous.

 

[LurkingInNC]

I got the black 1650 OEM from NE a couple of weeks ago for $35 shipped (more now). It came with a Nero OEM Suite CD. Haven't installed it yet.

There are markings engraved on top of the units case (above the pins), but they are pretty light. CS left, SL center, and MA right.

I'm unfamiliar with the software. Anyone with suggestions as to what I'll need (besides the Nero OEM suite) to burn 'back up' copies of DVD movies? Hopefully something free?

 

[harrkev]

Originally posted by: LurkingInNC
I'm unfamiliar with the software. Anyone with suggestions as to what I'll need (besides the Nero OEM suite) to burn 'back up' copies of DVD movies? Hopefully something free?

This is not really the place for that type of discussion, IMHO...

But from what I understand, you will need the included Nero software in order to use the lightscribe feature. And if you are not using lightscribe, there are cheaper DVD burners out there.

 

[nomadh]

I would be shocked if there was any real difference between the 2 units. Even cosmetics is suprising. A benq-oem sony or plex can be turned into a std benq with the right firmware I hear. My oem 1655 is outstanding. Its inconcivable that it could burn better than it does already. Even if the retail unit actually scored better on cdspeed I don't see how it could make a better burn in any practicle noticable way. I assume at this point any burn less than 100% quality score must be due to my cheapass media and not keeping my pc and media in a cleanroom environment. I was happy enough with junk burning at Q>=94% and verbatim >=98%

Originally posted by: Mercmaster

Originally posted by: conehead433

Originally posted by: Wedge1

Originally posted by: Ghettocowboy
arguably the best drive on the market
lowest price for this drive so far
link

$4 more for the retail version, I would personally go for the retail version, better deal. Some reported the retail version has better burning quality.

Retail version

I'm not sure how or why the retail would have better burn quality, but bump for a good deal nonetheless.

It's exactly the same drive as the retail version, but doesn't come with Nero software, cables, or mounting screws, so if you need those get the retail version.

They're not "exactly" the same, if you look at both of the faceplates, you will see the differences.

The OEM version has a dull black faceplate compared to the retail version which has a glossy faceplate that comes with a protective plastic sheet over it (retail version matches a gloss black case much better), the eject button is a bit different as well.

The internal components should be the same even though some members of cdfreaks swear that the retail versions produce better burns.

I have two retail versions and they both produce better burns than the two BenQ DW1640's that I have.

MM

 

[amd4life]

I need a few new dvd burners ( I have older NEC 3550) aso are the benq the new best drives on the market for 16C burners?

is there a new NEC drive out yet?

 

[nomadh]

I have the 3550 and its only competent and really needs top quality media. My 1655 (oem) eats turds and craps diamonds. As a side note I havent used dl media or lightscribe yet just single layer and cds

 

[russr]

Which is the drive to get if one does not need LightScribe?

 

[LurkingInNC]

Originally posted by: russr
Which is the drive to get if one does not need LightScribe?

I bet the majority recommend a Benq 1650, with the NEC ND-3550A coming in second...

 

[PaducahPhil]

Was just looking for one of these.

Thanks

Phil

 

[russr]

Is LightScribe a technology that's worth having? You need special discs right to print a label on? I'm just wondering if it is a fading technology that isn't really going to catch on.

 

[LurkingInNC]

Originally posted by: russr
Is LightScribe a technology that's worth having? You need special discs right to print a label on? I'm just wondering if it is a fading technology that isn't really going to catch on.

Someone on here told me that you do need special disks ($) for LightScribe. What about printers with a tray for CD/ DVD printing? Do you need special disks for those as well?