The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
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  1. Super_v.ILL.aiN

    Super_v.ILL.aiN Notebook Consultant

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    I'm interested in buying an external DVD burner for my laptop. I want to spend under $100, hopefully closer to $50. I don't want to order it online, I'll probably pick it up from a local electronics store(Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.) later today. Any suggestions about certain brands/models to look for or avoid, things to know, or any other helpful information would be much appreciated because I have really know idea what I'm looking for when it comes to DVD burners. :D
     
  2. NetBrakr

    NetBrakr Notebook Deity

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    Good luck finding stand-alone external DVD burner for $50 at retail stores. If you want to saved some money, I suggest you buy a 3.5" enclosure and regular desktop drive, which this case a DVD burner.

    JC
     
  3. Super_v.ILL.aiN

    Super_v.ILL.aiN Notebook Consultant

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    Well, on Circuit City and Best Buy's websites I've seen a few external burners for less then $100(one only 55). I have money to go over my budget if necessary but there's other things I'd like to spend it on if possible.
     
  4. NetBrakr

    NetBrakr Notebook Deity

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    Cool, but they are not guaranteed to be in the store...like for $55 Lite-On DVD burner, in my area, they dont have it available for pickup, so which means that they dont have in stock in the stores. I suggest that you check before you drive.

    JC
     
  5. Super_v.ILL.aiN

    Super_v.ILL.aiN Notebook Consultant

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    The $55 Lite-On isn't available(the CC in my area is horrible so I'm not surprised) but there is a $75 LG at Best Buy that is available. I planned on being in the area of both stores today anyway so I might as well stop by and see what they have. Hopefully it's something good!
     
  6. lixuelai

    lixuelai Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    I would build your own external. You can pick out the drive and the enclosure. I recently bought a really good LG drive at CompUSA for $7 AR and am going to get Plumax enclosure for it (Cypress chipset) since the DVD drive on my Gateway is basically dead.

    If you are looking for a top notch burner then this http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=173823 will be what you are looking for. This BenQ drive is the best burner you can get and since they are discontinued will be harder and harder to find. Cant justify me getting another burner when I have like 6 already else I would jump on this without a second thought.
     
  7. NetBrakr

    NetBrakr Notebook Deity

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    Cool. Happy shopping! :)

    Note: I made mistake on my previous post, it wasnt 3.5", it is 5.25". Just to clarify if someone else doing this kind of external drive.

    JC
     
  8. Super_v.ILL.aiN

    Super_v.ILL.aiN Notebook Consultant

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    How would I go about doing that? I'm not bad w/ electronics but if it's too complex I may decide to save my self the trouble and spend a little more. If it's not too difficult though I may go that route because the prices look great and both of you recommended it.
     
  9. NetBrakr

    NetBrakr Notebook Deity

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    Its not too difficult. Like me, about 8 months ago, I bought a BenQ 16x DVD Burner with Lightscribe for about $60 and a 5.25" Enclosure for $30. I easily put it together, only 2 wires attach, and 4 screws to secure the enclosure. And done. Simple, isnt?

    JC
     
  10. NetBrakr

    NetBrakr Notebook Deity

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    And here is what my external DVD Burner looks.

    [​IMG]

    JC
     
  11. Super_v.ILL.aiN

    Super_v.ILL.aiN Notebook Consultant

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    Hmmm...sounds pretty easy and w/ that link provided for the discount BenQ I could get a much better burner for the price.

    I definitely appreciate the help from both of you. You may have saved me some money!
     
  12. Reezin14

    Reezin14 Crimson Mantle Commander

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    Thanks for the link to TK's and M's CD -- good stuff.