stevenator65

I know nothing about about DVD burners. I just want one that works and is external. I found a couple options. May I have your opinion?

Thanks!

Samsung 18x double layer DVD + - Drive for $85

or there's a few at newegg

We don't need alot of fancy features. I prefer a burning technology that uses inexpensive disks. Speed is not an issue. Reliability is an issue. I'd like to not spend more than $85.

What blank DVD disks should I buy? What is the popular burning tech, is it plus, or minus?

I'm so clueless!

Rice Lover

Well, it really doesn't matter what discs you buy, the only way you'll need something that uses special discs is if you get Lightscribe on it, which basically labels the disc in the drive. Then you'll need special discs. The other thing you may have to buy different discs for is, a DVD-R is for data, while a DVD+R is for media like movies, music, etc. They both cost about the same, but if you use a DVD-R with movies, it may not play in a standard DVD player. I highly recommend newegg, it's a great company, and I have ordered from there a LOT, and have never had a problem, and they're prices are cheap, too. So, what I would do, is find a 16X or 18X external DVD burner that's not too expensive and buy it. That's what I did, and 6 months later I've burned over 300 DVDs with my $50 external and it still works like a dream.

stevenator65

Rice Lover, when you burn, do you use DVD + R and it pretty much plays on any dvd player?

mtgeorge

Steve - just make sure the burner works with both +R and -R DVDs. Supposedly +R DVDs are compatible with "more" DVD players than -R are. My home DVD player is 5+ years old and seems to work with +R all of the time and -R "some time". I have not idea why some -R work and some do not.

Like Rice, I tend to use -R for backing up my PC and +R for pics, videos...etc. As far as what brand, I get whatever is the cheapest. I have been using Playo from Staples. Just got a 60 pack for $2.35 after MIR on Black Friday and they work fine. :approve:

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stevenator65

Thanks for the advice to both of you. I bought one for $55 that is 16x DVD + - and is external. Yay!