which dual layer DVD writer?

[FunkyGibbon]

I'm after a DVD +/-RW and Dual Layer (+/-R9?) writer. But which one to get - there's quite an array of devices out there.

ebuyer has good reviews for Samsung, NEC, Pioneer and LiteOn

Which do the PHer rate?

Also, my mobo has a spare SATA connection, so should I go for SATA vs IDE? Or save the SATA connection if (or when) I need another hard disk.

TIA

FG

[That Daddy]

You wont go wrong with an NEC,never had any problems with em.

[Trooper2]

My NEC (HP 300i) puked after 4 years of very light use, so I replaced it with this Lite On:

http://www.liteonit.eu/index.php?option=com_conten...

Very reasonably priced, came with Nero7 essentials. Be forewarned before upgrading the Nero as it has issues (buggy) at the moment.

[simba1]

Picked up hp from ebuyer for £23 quid. Still working flawlessly after 1 year with the added bonus of lightscribe. Its retail packaged so comes with software and other bits, not that i really needed them as i'm running linux.

[chris watton]

I did have a nice Sony DVD/RW in my HTPC, but it had probs with some disks that wouldn't install games.
When I upgraded the PC a few weeks back, I bought a Lite On (After reading reviews and best buys in the PC mags)SATA DVD-RW drive (SATA is so much better, not one IDE ribbon cable in the small HTPC case, which helps airflow), and the games that refused to install, now load perfectly.

[FunkyGibbon]

cheers - so that's 2 votes for Lite On and SATA seems the way to go.

thanks

FG

[FunkyGibbon]

I got the Liteon drive - fantastic so far.

cheers all.

FG