Freecom Classic DVD+/-RW *Double Layer.

Advantages: Can be moved from PC to PC, lighweight, robust, reliable, fast
Disadvantages: None so far...

...Rewriter that most computers have these days).*** With both drive bays taken up on my PC, I decided on an external DVD Writer drive. Although more expensive than internal drive, it could easily be connected to my lap top should I wish to take my masterpieces and inflict them on people who didn't own DVD players. I jest of course! In PC world, there were several external DVD drives on the shelves, but having had an external CD writer by Freecom which had been extremely reliable, I opted for the High Speed (USB2) Classic DVD+/-RW Double Layer model. It was the most expensive at just over £120 at the time (much cheaper now, see below), but the best available. The Hardware: In the box was a black DVD RW which was slim and lightweight (it was also available in white), the USB connector cable, the power transformer/cable (PSU- power...

derek-j-a 06.06.2005 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Freecom Classic DVD+/-RW Double Layer

Verbatim DVD+RW 4X never fail

Advantages: reliable, every disc works, long shelf life
Disadvantages: Pricy

...I bought the first batch of Verbatim DVD+RW from Amazon in 2004 and then bought some more in 2006 from DigiUK.com. Reliability They are used as re-writable disc for temporarily storing holiday photos, documents, electronic statements/bills etc until nearly a DVD full --> burn into DVD+/-R disc. Also, they are temporary recording of TV programmes using my DVD recorder. Most of them are used regularly since 2004. Almost 5 years on none of them shows any sign of failure. Everything is still retrievable e.g. one directory of my photos taken back in Dec 2004 and stored in a pair of them (double backup) are still okay. I can copy all the photos to my PC and still can see them (both discs tried to make sure). Therefore these discs can last for more than 4 years from the date of purchase, with the date of manufacture well before...

volcano 13.06.2009 (23.06.2009) · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Verbatim DVD+RW 4.7 GB 4x

What to write on a DVD-RW?

Advantages: Good quality, nice price, oooh a spindle
Disadvantages: same as most dvd-rw's

...Ok so yesterday I wrote a review on a CD-R, so I thought that I would move on and review a DVD+RW today. These aren't the discs I usually use for my DVDs, actually I have only used them once, but I think I will be using them more in the future. They are great. They are a nice price compared to a lot of others, and they are pretty durable. Reliability? In my CD-R review I mentioned errors while burning CDs, and errors while burning DVDs was pretty much mandatory for me, until I started using these. I have only ever come across 2 errors, and they were my fault anyway for opening the drive in the middle of burning. Before I bought a DVD-RW drive, I used to make VCDs most of the time, as they were quick and easy. But since I have been using these, there is no need for VCDs as the discs give me no trouble at all. Use? Obviously...

Ollydv 30.05.2005 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Imation Corp. DVD+RW 4.7 GB 4x

Freecome DVD RW Recorder USB 2.0

Advantages: ummmmm
Disadvantages: Doesn't work very well, slow, intermitently recognises disks, poor back up service, need I go on?

...I ordered my Freecom DVD Recorder LS USB 2.0 after my CD/DVD drive packed up on my 15 month old HP Desktop. I wanted it mainly to load CD ROM and burn DVD's from movies already converted to DVD format on my hard drive. Being that my PC had no disk drive I relied upon this external drive to load the bundled DVD burning software (Roxio 9). This took several days and many attempts. Then I tried burning my first DVD. After taking 3 hours to do a task that previously took about 30 minutes, this recorder produced a disc that no dvd player in my home recognised (and I have 4). I found the user interface very unfriendly and it simply didn't work. Needles to say, I'll be getting a refund!...

RMcCartyhy 16.06.2008 (15.06.2008) · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Freecom DVD RW Recorder LS USB 2.0

Lacie DVD +/- RW

Advantages: reliable, burns cds well, good compatibility
Disadvantages: dvd writing speed slow, not very portable

...Features: Can Burn: DVD +/- RW, CD RW Using: Firewire, USB 2.0, USB 1 (only at slower speeds) Operating Systems: Windows (all), Mac Free Software: Roxio Suite, WinDVD Player Speeds: 4x Typical for DVD, 32x Typical for CDs Other Important Features: Burn Proof Installation: The installation was very simple under Windows XP, I managed to get the drive working with Nero, Windows and all my dvd burning software very quickly. Reliability: Every CD and DVD i have burnt has worked perfectly. The cds can be read much faster and rarely fail, even after using in over 120 pcs one after another. This writer burns much more professionally than other writers i have. Portability: None, this thing is heavier than a brick, don't even consider carrying it anywhere. I think it's ideal if you've got more than one pc at home (or...

markays 09.11.2004 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of LaCie Dual DVD+/-RW DVD±RW drive

Top Quality DVD Media, i've tried most of them.

Advantages: Excellent Thermal Stability, Excellent Quality
Disadvantages: You pay slightly more, but it's worth it.

...two years, but i still haven't found one up to the quality of Verbatim, so thats what i always recommend to everyone. It also seems to have a very good compatibility rating with most hardware. I buy most of mine at Ebuyer, since they tend to be cheap and offer a large stock. I would suggest you buy in either 50 or 25 packs for DVD-+R or 25 or 10 packs for DVD-+RW, as this significantly increases the value for money. I have a lot of home videos, and i wouldn't trust them to be stored on anything but Verbatim, they're too precious, that's how much i trust the media. You can now also get printable DVD's which are compatible with a lot of todays photo printers, great for creating lasting memories. Take it from me, a physicist, buy Verbatim and you won't be let down....

benzas 16.02.2006 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Verbatim DVD+RW 4.7 GB 4x

Some Extra Cheap Storage Space On CD-RW's

Advantages: Re-Writable CD, 74min record time, 650MB storage
Disadvantages: Small storage compared to Re-Writable DVD's

...The Imation CD-RW 650 MB 24x discs are an excellent way to back up or store data at home or at work. I know it's not much storage compared to DVD-RW's but these still come in use as I still use them sometimes myself. As sometimes you don't need 4.7GB that a DVD can hold. Imation CD-RW rewritable discs have an increased recording speed of 24x and noise free play for a wide range of applications. Even though the CD-RW format requires speed compatible disc burners for recording, the discs can be used in standard CD-R/RW drives as well as Multi-read CD-R/CD-ROM, DVD-ROM and rewritable DVD drives. This is very useful as you may have a drive which can handle more speed which shouldn't have a compatibility issue. Main features and functions: - Storage media type CD-RW - 10 discs - 650 MB storage - 74min recording time - Write...

Surj1 17.03.2008 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Imation Corp. CD-RW 650 MB 24x

  Pioneer DVR-105 Internal DVD-RW Drive

Advantages: High DVD/CD compatibility after firmware update, it's Pioneer need another reason?
Disadvantages: Before flash update the drive sucks, 4 speed is dated now

...of electronic entertainment, not as big as Sony but they can hold their own. The drive itself is very plain on the front and is light grey instead of the classic beige colour of PCs. Although it's simple, it isn't ugly or boring to look at at all, a very nice drive to have seen on your PC. This is a DVD-RW drive so it is only compatible with DVD-R and DVD-RW media, not the DVD+R and DVD+RW (attention to the - and the +). This is important because you don't want to be paying for the wrong type of DVD discs. Since this is one of the earlier drives, it can only write to one layer discs (4.7GB discs). This drive is an IDE drive so any standard PC can have it installed for immediate DVD reading and writing. Well of course it depends if the owner of the PC is knowledgable in the arts of PC upgrading. This drive is the DVR-105 drive which is the OEM...

china_wolf 26.08.2004 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Review of Pioneer DVR 105

Very Cheap Good Quality DVD-RW

Advantages: Cheap, Fast, Quite
Disadvantages: None

...I had been without a DVD-RW drive for a few weeks since my last drive gave up. The first thing I noticed when looking for a new one was how cheap they are now. The last one I had I'd only paid £35 for thinking that was cheap, but now you can get them for as little as £15 + P&P. I decided to go for another Pioneer drive as I have used them in the past and had very few problems, although it was marginally more expensive than some of the others at £18!! When it arrived the first thing I noticed was that it was the same size as a normal DVD drive, over an inch shorter than my previous one. I'm not aware if all new drives are this size but it may be a consideration if you have a smaller case and are short of room. As I'm using it with another DVD drive I had to set the jumper on the back to slave mode so that the computer would detect it...

Massey42 08.01.2008 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Pioneer DVR 115DBK

Freecom Classic Trouble Free DVD Burning

Advantages: Hard Working and reliable. Can be moved from PC to PC
Disadvantages: Desk space needed because it's external.

...I've owned my external Freecom CD RW for some time now, and it has given me excellent service, even though I have "hammered" it, burning DVD after DVD of years of stockpiled home video footage. Time after time, I have had great results with just one unsuccessful burn, but that was a faulty disk -which happens sometimes. When I first went in search of a DVD Re-writer, I was very tempted by getting an internal one to save desk-space and they were cheaper. But after some consideration I opted for the external because we have two computers and a laptop and it's just a question of plugging it in to the USB port of any machine I want to work with. Because it also plays DVD movies, it makes it really handy when I am having that long week-end staying at relatives and there's nothing to watch on TV. I can simply plug it into my laptop...

derek-j-a 14.01.2006 · Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Review of Freecom Classic CD-RW drive