Robert L Krawitz wrote:
I'm thinking of getting a DVD writer. My primary intention is to use it for system backups; CD's just don't cut it any more (with about 18 GB and 11 GB respectively on my two systems). The Sony DRU-500A looks like a rather interesting one, supporting a lot of formats. Any comments on that vs. any of the others out there?
Hi First let me note that I have no direct experience here. I have been trying to follow the area and just want to tell you that the Dec 2002 PC World just reviewed it. They picked the Sony DRU-500A as their "Best buy" (and give a street price of $349). In general they note that DVD-RAM would be best if you were just doing backups. On the other hand they pick the Sony drive because it can do everything else! :-) I assume they are trying to make a recommendation for general use. They list only two drives that do DVD-RAM: Pacific Digital DVD Burner U-30116 at $299 Street and Vivastar RS-111 at $350 Both do just DVD-RAM and DVD-R They say DVD-RAM is preformatted which "manufacturers claim gives gives random access capability" and also "contain extensive defect-management and error-correction technologies, to ensure correct data storage" That's a summary, you may want to check the original article (page111) to make your own call. :-). doug