Optical Drive Thread (CD, DVD, CD-RW, CD-RW/DVD, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD±RW)

[albrandwood]

LAST UPDATE: 03/15/2004 01:35:19 AM EST

This is not an exhaustive list ...


DVD
Speed Definition: Read

16x
$9.99 - Mad Dog MD-ED16E - CompUSA SKU:299637 [03/15-03/20]
$9.99 ($35 MIR) - Mad Dog MD-ED16E - CompUSA SKU:299637 [03/14-03/20]
$9.99 ($35 MIR) - Mad Dog MD-ED16E - CompUSA SKU:299637 [03/14-03/18]


CD-RW
Speed Definition: Write x Rewrite x Read

40x12x48x
$29.99 ($25 MIR) - Hi-Val H401248EU - CompUSA SKU:311053 [03/14-03/18]
$29.99 ($25 MIR) - Hi-Val H401248EU - CompUSA SKU:311053 [03/15-03/20]
$74.99 - Archos 500361 - Overstock SKU:535260 USB 2.0

48x24x48x
$9.99 ($30 MIR) - Khypermedia KHCRW482448 - OfficeMax SKU:20326461 [03/14-03/20]

52x24x48x
$69.96 ($20 MIR) - Sony CRX220A1 - OfficeDepot SKU:561493 [10/01-03/31]
$99.99 ($30 MIR) - TDK UE-5200 - CompUSA SKU:302588 [12/29-03/31] USB 2.0

52x24x52x
$19.99 ($30+$10 MIR) - Digital Research D522452 - BestBuy [03/14-03/20]
$19.99 ($20+$20 MIR) - Digital Research D522452 - BestBuy SKU:4813642 [03/14-03/20]
$29.97 ($20 MIR) - MagicSpin I522452 - OfficeDepot SKU:455887 [03/14-03/20]
$59.99 ($20 MIR) - Sony CRX225AU - CompUSA SKU:303198 [10/15-03/31]
$59.99 ($20 MIR) - Sony CRX225AU - BestBuy SKU:5456767 [10/01-03/31]
$79.99 - Archos 500524 - Overstock SKU:535259 USB 2.0

52x32x52x
$38.00 - LiteOn 52327S - NewEgg SKU:27-106-198
$49.99 ($20 MIR) - Memorex 32023257 - BestBuy SKU:5584762 [10/01-03/31]
$49.99 ($20 MIR) - Sony CRX230AU - CompUSA SKU:307130 [12/14-03/31]
$49.99 ($20 MIR) - Sony CRX230AU - Frys SKU:3823157 [10/01-03/31]
$49.99 ($20 MIR) - Sony CRX230AU - CircuitCity SKU:80561 [03/14-03/20]
$59.99 ($20 MIR) - Sony CRX230AU - CircuitCity SKU:80561 [10/01-03/31]
$59.99 ($20 MIR) - Sony CRX230AU - CircuitCity [03/14-03/20]
$99.99 ($30 MIR) - Memorex 32023261 - BestBuy SKU:5584646 [10/01-03/31] USB 2.0

8x4x32x
$24.99 - Samsung SW208 - Overstock SKU:544037


CD-RW/DVD
Speed Definition: Write x Rewrite x CD Read x DVD Read

24x10x24x8x
$199.99 ($50 MIR) - Sony MPDAP20U - BestBuy SKU:4960769 [10/01-03/31] USB 2.0

40x12x48x16x
$89.99 - Archos 500476 - Overstock SKU:535256 USB 2.0

48x24x48x16x
$69.99 ($20 MIR) - Sony CRX300A - CompUSA SKU:303215 [10/15-03/31]
$79.99 ($20 MIR) - Sony CRX300A - BestBuy SKU:5767459 [10/15-03/31]
$79.99 ($20 MIR) - Sony CRX300A - CircuitCity SKU:72758 [10/15-03/31]
$79.99 ($20 MIR) - Sony CRX300A - Staples SKU:513118 [10/15-03/31]

52x24x52x16x
$29.99 ($30 MIR) - Mad Dog MD-5216CDR - CompUSA SKU:307888 [03/15-03/20]
$29.99 ($30 MIR) - Mad Dog MD-5216CDR - CompUSA SKU:307888 [03/14-03/18]


DVD-RW
Speed Definition: Write x Rewrite x Read

2x1x4x
$139.99 - Pioneer DVR104 - Overstock SKU:469115


DVD+RW
Speed Definition: Write x Rewrite x Read

2.4x2.4x8x
$79.99 ($50 MIR) - Buslink DVRW28R - CompUSA SKU:308458 [03/14-03/14]

4x2.4x12x
$79.99 ($20 MIR) - TDK AID420 - CompUSA SKU:299902 [02/01-03/31]

4x2.4x8x
$129.99 ($30 MIR) - HP DVD300I - CompUSA SKU:300532 [12/02-03/31]


DVD±RW
Speed Definition: Write x +RW Rewrite x -RW Rewrite x Read

4x2.4x2x8x
$97.00 - NEC ND-1300A - NewEgg SKU:27-152-006
$199.99 ($50 MIR) - HP DVD300e - CompUSA SKU:300534 [12/02-03/31]
$289.84 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRX510ULX - OfficeDepot SKU:603667 [08/01-03/31] USB 2.0 + FIREWIRE

4x2x16x
$399.00 - Teac DV-W50D - Other SKU:unknown DVD DUPLICATOR (4.7GB MAX)

4x4x2x12x
$100.00 - LiteOn LDW411S - NewEgg SKU:27-106-920
$103.00 - LiteOn LDW411S - NewEgg SKU:27-106-921
$149.99 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRU510A - Frys SKU:3646035 [08/01-03/31]
$149.99 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRU510A - CircuitCity SKU:71766 [08/01-03/31]
$149.99 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRU510A - CompUSA SKU:303201 [11/23-03/31]
$149.99 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRU510A - Outpost SKU:3646035 [08/01-03/31]
$189.84 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRU510A - OfficeDepot SKU:359137 [08/01-03/31]
$199.98 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRU510A - Staples SKU:513120 [08/01-03/31]
$199.99 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRU510A - BestBuy SKU:5456749 [06/27-03/31]
$249.99 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRX510UL - Outpost SKU:3645555 [08/01-03/31] USB 2.0 + FIREWIRE
$289.99 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRX510UL - BestBuy SKU:5506534 [06/27-03/31] USB 2.0 + FIREWIRE
$349.99 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRX510UL - CompUSA SKU:303199 [11/23-03/31] USB 2.0 + FIREWIRE

8x4x12
$79.99 ($30+$20 MIR) - Buslink DVRW812D - CompUSA SKU:308458 [03/14-03/14] SUNDAY ONLY
$129.99 ($20+$30 MIR) - Buslink DVRW812D - CompUSA SKU:311046 [03/14-03/18]
$129.99 ($30+$20 MIR) - Buslink DVRW812D - CompUSA SKU:311046 [03/15-03/20]
$149.94 ($30 MIR) - Buslink DVRW812D - Staples SKU:562442 [03/14-03/27]

8x4x2x12x
$169.99 ($30 MIR) - TDK AID880 - CompUSA SKU:310410 [02/01-03/31]
$169.99 ($30 MIR) - TDK AID880 - CompUSA SKU:310410 [03/14-03/20]
$193.00 - Plextor PX708A - NewEgg SKU:27-131-310 $7 MORE FOR BLACK (SKU 20-131-311)
$269.99 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRX530UL - BestBuy SKU:6199552 [03/14-03/20]
$269.99 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRX530UL - BestBuy [03/14-03/20]
$299.99 - Plextor PX708UF - BestBuy SKU:6046487 [11/27-07/03] USB 2.0 + FIREWIRE

8x4x4x12x
$99.99 ($30+$30 MIR) - I/O Magic IDVDRW8D - CircuitCity SKU:85473 [03/14-03/20]
$99.99 ($30+$30 MIR) - I/O Magic IDVDRW8D - CircuitCity [03/14-03/20]
$169.95 - Sony DRU530A - eCost SKU:333442
$169.97 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRU530A - OfficeDepot SKU:647736 [03/14-03/20]
$169.98 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRU530A - Staples SKU:522158 [03/14-03/27]
$169.99 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRU530A - BestBuy [03/14-03/20]
$169.99 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRU530A - CompUSA SKU:310051 [12/15-07/03]
$169.99 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRU530A - BestBuy SKU:6013253 [03/14-03/20]
$189.99 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRU530A - BestBuy SKU:6013253 [11/27-07/03]
$189.99 ($30 MIR) - Sony DRU530A - Frys SKU:3884397 [11/21-07/03]



Notes:
a) This post is for INFORMATIONAL purposes only. I accept NO RESPONSIBILITY for any inaccuracy of this posting. YOU are solely responsibile for checking prices before you place your orders.
b) Prices include MIR, but exclude sales taxes / coupons / PriceMatches / shipping / etc.
c) Prices in ITALICS are either not yet active, or have expired.
d) Expired offers are shown for PriceMatch purposes only, and will be automatically removed.
e) Amazon / NewEgg.com ... I've included examples of their prices. They carry most brands at low prices.
f) CostCo / Sams Club / BJ's ... These are obviously priced for MEMBERS only.
g) Coupons are available here:... well, they are available elsewhere ...

Similar Pages: Hard Drive Thread -|- Flash Memory Thread -|- Memory Thread -|- Optical Drive Thread -|- Wireless Networking Thread -|- OfficeMachine Thread -|- Monitor Thread -|- Digital Camera Thread

Thanks for the feedback ... I will NOT guarantee to read all the posts ... but if you PM me, I will include the details ...
Please PM me if you spot a better prices / locations / errors etc

@shley

PS: I'm using Coldfusion to generate the text from a simple database.
If you PM me, it would be nice if you use the following format:
Type,Speed,Interface,DateStart,DateEnd,Manufacturer,Model,Price,MIR,Store,SKU,Notes
... That will save me a lot of time.

 

[WillDeStijl]

good stuff!

would it be practical for someone to detail what the manufacturers are on those?

I'll start us off: That Lite-On... it's a Lite-On

 

[albrandwood]

Whilst it may be possible, its not something I'm planning ... most people aren't that interested ... (and in most cases, will buy the cheapest possible unit)

@shley

 

[nebula]

Originally posted by: albrandwood
Whilst it may be possible, its not something I'm planning ... most people aren't that interested ... (and in most cases, will buy the cheapest possible unit)

@shley

Ahh, but you forget where you're posting! This is AT, we are very anal over here.

 

[LoverBoyJ]

Originally posted by: nebula

Originally posted by: albrandwood
Whilst it may be possible, its not something I'm planning ... most people aren't that interested ... (and in most cases, will buy the cheapest possible unit)

@shley

Ahh, but you forget where you're posting! This is AT, we are very anal over here.

true.. very true!!!

 

[Netgeek]

PIONEER DVR-106D $143.99 delivered from Newegg or the black bezel version for $132.99 delivered. Black bezel is on a one-day sale price that Ends 10/28/2003 11:30 AM PST

 

[albrandwood]

Bump - Added 11/02 - 11/08 for BB,CC,CrapUSA,OD,OM,ST

 

[tedkelly]

DVDR Drives

On the DVDR burners people would be advised to (1) check around, prices change daily; (2) stick with the quality models - it's not the place to save a few bucks; and (3) be sure you know if you're getting the retail version (with software) or bare/OEM/white box (no software, manuals, sometimes warranty can be sticky).

As of now, you can get a very good 4x ±R dual-format drive for $115-$155 online (usually before shipping, no tax, no rebate). So if buying by mail works for you, don't pay that much for a lesser drive (slower, or single-format). Use dvdrhelp.com's price watch page - also note the useful user comments on drives and media there - pricewatch.com, bizrate.com or your favorite site. And of course use resellerratings.com to check the merchant before buying.

4x ±R Drives So for example - these are not necessarily the only drives to buy, or the lowest price out there. Just good prices at good merchants so you can put any other deals you see in perspective.

Sony DRU-510A - $155 retail or $139 OEM at mwave.com. OEM is usually called DW-U14A.

Pioneer DVR-A06 - $162 retail. OEM is usually called 106-A, about $130 now.

NEC 1300A. Around $110 OEM now. Not sure this was really sold in the US as a retail box, seems only available as a bare drive. A good value if bare drive works for you.

Not to say that these are the only good drives - just trying to put things in perspective - see the list at dvdrhelp.com's price watch page. If you can find a deal on the Memorex or TDK 440N, worth a look.

External Drives. External DVDR drives seem overpriced in the B&Ms, anyone needing one should be sure to check the online stores. Given that there's no real installation concerns with an external, and no hassle to putting it back in the box and sending it back, online should be fairly easy.

8x ±R Drives. The king of drives, the Plextor PX708A 8x, is around $221 retail box at accupc.com, and the Sony 8x is coming out by December. FWIW.

Software. If you need software, note that some drives seem to have better bundles than others. The Sony and the Memorex, for example. Be sure to consider that aspect if it's going to matter to you.

Format. Some notes on format. +R is a modestly better format for data backups, but lots of players will only play either -R or +R. So:
- if you're just using it for data backups get a +R like the HP300i if you can get an especially good deal on one.
- if you're mostly using it for data backups but want the ability to make discs that play in a variety of DVD players, get a ±R that reviews say will burn +R well.
- if you're making discs for your DVD player, look up your model in the dvdrhelp.com DVD players and see the comments about whether it prefers +R or -R and what kind of media it likes. If your DVD player likes -R and you can find a good deal on a quality model, that may work.

Media. Buy good media for anything you want to last for a while. And be sure to realize that your burner and your DVD player will have preferences for media.

 

[tedkelly]

The Pioneer 104 DVDR is cold at $140, given that the newer 105 and 106 are around for not much more.

 

[GAZZA]

708A now down to $230 @ newegg.
From what I have read the Pioneer 106 will burn just about anything thrown at it for a good price $132@newegg oem.

 

[tedkelly]

For DVDR, check the dvdrhelp / pricegrabber page

 

[stingygrrl]

I read that there's a bitsetting hack that MIGHT be coming out for the NEC 1300A. If so, that will go to the top of the 4x heap, IMO. esp at the low price tag it has.



I copied this from this thread:

There's a flag on a DVDr that tells the player what it is (i.e. +r,+rw,-r,and -rw). This is most commonly referred to as "book type".

Store bought movies and applications will most likely (if not definitely) have a flag or book type of "DVD-ROM".

Every player should be able to play a genuine DVD-ROM.

With bitsetting you can change a +R or +RW DVDr's flag (or book type) to read DVD-ROM IF your burner is capable of changing the bitsetting. Its kind of like fooling a DVD player into thinking its reading a "store bought movie" and its really a +r or +rw DVDr (when its bitsetting or flag has been changed to book type DVD-ROM).

If you use good quality DVDr plus media (with good reflectivity) there's no reason it shouldn't look identical or almost identcal physically to a DVD-ROM disk assuming you have changed its flag (or bitsetting) to read DVD-ROM.

Changing the book type to DVD-ROM should increase the compatibility of the DVDr and would be esp. useful for: older players, +rw media and mass distribution to friends (of varying makes of players) of non-copyrighted material.

Currently only a select few brands have the capability of changing the bitsetting: Ricohs, rebadged Ricohs, burners based on Ricoh chipsets, some HP burners, NEC 1100 (with hacked firmware), Nu Tech 081 and maybe BenQs. There are some burners that burn +r and book type them as DVD-ROM by default - some Phillips burners do this, and maybe the HP300i.

You'll most likely need a utility like DVDInfoPro to change the bitsetting or a manf. utility program and Nero can also do it - if you're burner is capable of changing the bitsetting.

 

[albrandwood]

Bump - Updated for the following stores: BB, CC, CrapUSA, OD, OM, ST, Costco

Apologies for the late update - but I'm at my in-laws this weekend.

@shley

 

[EXman]

thanks for the update!!!

man I see your threads and they are soe of the Best evar!

 

[albrandwood]

Added BB / OM for 11/16-11/22

Enjoy

@shley

 

[albrandwood]

Bump.

Added: BB, CC, CUSA, Frys, OD, OM, ST for 11/27-11/29 (BlackFriday)

@shley

 

[albrandwood]

Bump - Updated for the following stores:

BB, CC, CrapUSA, OD, OM, ST

@shley

Wanted: Volunteer to maintain this listing over the Christmas period, as I will be in the UK for 2 weeks. Please PM me. Updates via a webform.

 

[superHARD]

4x2x12x
$69.99 ($30+$10 MIR) - Mad Dog MD-4XDVDRW-M - OfficeMax SKU:20686205 [01/04-01/10]

Anyone else NOT finding this HOT deal?

 

[albrandwood]

Bump - Updated for the following stores:

BB, CC, CrapUSA, OD, OM, ST

@shley

 

[EXman]

 

[albrandwood]

Bump - for the following stores:

BB, CC, CrapUSA, OD, OM, ST

@shley

 

[cmv]

Khypermedia 8X DVD+RW Drive at OfficeMax
$69.99 ($30 instant, $50 mail-in)

(search for "khypermedia"--it's the last result)

 

[albrandwood]

Bump - Updated for the following stores:

BB, CC, CrapUSA, OD, OM, ST

@shley

 

[UCSDHappyAsian]

holy

 

[iamWolverine]

are any of these DVD +/- RW drives are compatible with macs?