DVD-R/-RW external drive recommendations please

**emma73** · 29-10-2005, 08:45 AM

Dell 8400, P4, Win XP, 1 GB ram, 60 GB HD, 3.0 Ghz,
16x DVD+RW/+R , IEEE 1394 adapter

I am looking for recommendations on a DVD-R/RW external drive as my current drives' format is only DVD+.

I've been looking around at reviews and specs but end up a little confused which isn't too hard for me.

Couple of questions:
Am I correct in thinking it would be better if it was able to connect via IEEE 1394 as opposed to USB for better speed?
Also, I ran across the phrase 'black replacement bezel'. Can anyone tell me what that means?

Can anyone suggest a good brand I should consider?
I don't mind paying more for a good quality unit.

**Speedy Gonzales** · 29-10-2005, 08:58 AM

The ASUS burners arent too bad. Well the internal ones are good.

Altho, I dont know where u could get external ones from in NZ.

They'll be here somewhere. And whether they support firewire. I suppose they might, if u get some kind of external enclosure. BUT firewire, would definitely be faster, than USB 2.

Black replacement bezel, might mean the faceplate??

As some burners are black, some are white, and some maybe interchangeable.

**Freejack** · 29-10-2005, 09:01 AM

USB2 or Firewire should both be fine. Just make sure your laptop has USB2 (I'm fairly sure it will).

"black replacement bezel" probably refers to the face plate - so you can match it to your casing (not sure how this fits with being an external drive).

We use a Sony drive at work. Its been fairly reliable and looks pretty on my desk :-)

Also, it might be worth trying to find out if there is a firmware revision that will upgrade your drive to include the format you want.

**emma73** · 29-10-2005, 09:08 AM

It never dawned on me that I could update my firmware on my current drive!!
You couldn't point me in the direction for that information could you?

**Freejack** · 29-10-2005, 09:13 AM

Sure - post the exact model of the drive (get it from device manager) and some-one might be able to help.

BUT - treat any firmware upgrade with lots of caution - it has the potential to trash the drive if it goes wrong. :-> sorry, had to say that bit

**emma73** · 29-10-2005, 09:50 AM

[BUT - treat any firmware upgrade with lots of caution - it has the potential to trash the drive if it goes wrong. :-> sorry, had to say that bit]

No that's great-thanks for the advanced warning. I'll definitely do my homework first.

drive model is NEC ND 3100AD.

I've been searching the Dell drivers download site and forums for clues also.