Are Third Party DVD/CD Burning Software Better Than What Already Comes with Windows Vista?

I recently purchased a HP dv9700t. Configuration below:

- HP Pavilion dv9700t Entertainment CTO NB
- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T9300 (2.50 GHz, 6 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
- 17.0" WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
- 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
- 50% OFF 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS!!
- FREE Upgrade to HP Imprint (Radiance) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone
- Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM)
- 240GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (120GB x 2)
- LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
- No TV Tuner w/remote control
- High Capacity 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
- System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
- Microsoft(R) Works 9.0


I have burned a few DVD's. I usually store videos in a variety of different formats. I have utilizied the built in software that comes with Windows Vista and it seems to have worked fine. It takes twice as long as my older desktop system but I assume that is because it is a laptop burner and is inherently slower. My desktop sytems burn at 16X and I have Nero installed. When I burn on the desktop I usually use the "data" dvd category.

My questions are:

Are there any compelling reasons to install some other third party DVD/CD burning software?

Are there benefits over Windows Vista's built in software?

If so, what are they and what software would you recommend?

On my desktop systems I had installed Nero's Suite. The burning software works fine but I really don't like or need all the other stuff that comes with it. I like Windows Media Center and am not looking for another player. If I did install a third party software I think I would want to utilize the stripped down burning versions only.

Thanks in advance for everyone's help.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=206289

Try that thread...lots of great choices. I think most people use a combination. I use Windows Media Player for CDs, IMGBurn for images, and DVD Decrypter for DVDs. And if it's a data disc, I'd probably just use Vista's built-in capability.

 

Sweet machine. How much did that set you back (If you don't mind me asking)? I have the dv6519tx. Anyway, to the question. Unless you're making DVDs or backing them up as AVI then i'd say no (unless you have a fundamental objection to using Microsoft stuff, like me). I use the software that came with my PCs (Sonic on my currently dead desktop, Roxio on the laptop). They're both basically the same program rebadged and serve me fine.

Grand Admiral

 

I don't normally use Windows burner but I use one that came with

HP(roxio) on my Desktop and Acer(NTI) for my Laptop. both work flawlessly

 

IMGburn is good. I think it might be free also.

For backing up your DVDs and CDs I'd go with Slysoft products, CloneDVD and CloneCD. I use those tools to also backup my BluRay collection.

 

I'm not sure what you're referring to when you say "built in software". But honestly, if it works for you, it's fine. Laptop burners are definitely slower than desktop ones.

 

i am using Built-in ..its slow..

so i am planning to use 3rd party.

 

I use Nero 8 on my desktop and laptop at home. I have used Roxio at work, not a bad program either. Both get the job done, but I still prefer Nero, especially over the Windows software. Definitely faster.

 

wow nice pc... anyways i use ConvertXtoDVD.. i like it because it works faster and gives me more options when making my dvds.from the time i got it i stopped using nero and removed roxio.

 

Thanks everyone for your replies. I appreciate them!

I didn't realize that third party burning software was faster than windows. Does anyone realize roughly how much of a time savings one would gain?

On my desktop with Nero I can burn a full dvd in about 7-8 minutes. On the laptop with window I haven't clocked it but is seems to take over twenty minutes. I will have to clock both again to be sure. I don't know how much of that difference is due to burning with a laptop vs desktop burner and not the software.

 

I purchased my laptop about a month ago with the $500 coupon. It included the two year pick up and accidental damage warranty coverage. The total purchase price was $1390.

 

I use Nero 8 Ultra Edition, and it's awesome