[Wlug] DVD writer

[doug waud]

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