Choosing and Buying Components - Optical Drive
(Page 10 of 22 )
Every system needs an optical drive of some sort, if only for loading software. There are several types of optical drives available. Some can use only CDs, which typically store about 700 MB of data; others can use DVDs, which typically store about 4,700 MB of data. CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives are read-only (the “ROM” part of the name). CD writers and DVD writers (also called burners or recorders) can write optical discs as well as read them. DVD is backward compatible with CD, which means that a DVD drive can also read CD discs, and nearly all DVD writers can also write CD discs.
CD drive speeds are specified as a multiple of the 150 KB/s audio CD rate, which is called 1X. For example, a 52X CD drive transfers data at 52 times 150 KB/s, or 7,800 KB/s. DVD drives use a different “X-factor.” A 1X DVD drive transfers data at about 1.321 MB/s, or about nine times faster than a 1X CD drive.
Choose an optical drive for your system based on the capabilities you need and the price you are willing to pay. Roughly in order of increasing price and usefulness, your choices are:
CD-ROM drive. A CD-ROM drive provides basic functionality at minimum cost. CD-ROM drives read only CD-DA (audio) discs, CD-ROM (data) discs, and (usually) CD-R/CD-RW writable discs, and cannot write discs. CD-ROM drives are $15 commodity items. There is little reason to choose a brand other than by price and manufacturer reputation.
DVD-ROM drive. DVD-ROM drives read CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-R/RW, and DVD discs, and cannot write discs. DVD-ROM drives are $30 commodity items. Choose by price and manufacturer reputation.
CD-RW drive. CD-RW drives, also called CD writers or CD burners, read the same formats as CD-ROM drives, but can also write data to inexpensive CD-R (write-once) and CD-RW (rewritable) discs. CD writers typically sell for a bit more than DVD-ROM drives, generally $30 to $40. CD writers provide a means to copy audio and data CDs, and are also an inexpensive backup solution. Nearly all current CD-RW drives have similar features and speed, so there is little reason to choose a brand other than by price and manufacturer reputation.
DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive. DVD-ROM/CD-RW “combo” drives combine the functionality of a DVD-ROM drive and a CD-RW drive, and sell for a few dollars more than CD writers, typically $45 to $60. Because they can read nearly any optical disc and write CDs, we consider them the best compromise for an inexpensive system. Once again, there is little reason to choose a brand other than by price and manufacturer reputation.
DVD writer. DVD writers do it all— they both read and write both CDs and DVDs. Basic DVD writers sell for $75, but high-end models cost $150 or more. Most high-end and many midrange models can use DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, and DVDRW discs interchangeably, which offers the most flexibility. Inexpensive models may support only DVD+R/RW or DVD-R/RW. (We recommend using DVD+R/RW discs rather than DVD-R/RW discs whenever possible, because “plus” discs have better error correction than “minus” discs.) Current mainstream DVD writers support 8X or 12X writes on DVD+R discs, either of which is fast enough for most purposes. Inexpensive writers often support only 4X writes, which requires patience.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Optical Drive
For a CD-ROM drive, any current model made by Lite-On, Mitsumi, NEC, Samsung, or Sony is acceptable. All are reliable, so buy on price.
For a DVD-ROM drive, choose any current model made by Lite-On, Mitsumi, NEC, Samsung, Sony, or Toshiba. If you need to read writable DVD discs, make sure the model you choose explicitly lists compatibility with the formats you use. If you need to read DVD-RAM discs, buy a Toshiba model. Otherwise, buy on price.
For the most reliable CD-RW drive available with the best digital audio extraction (for “ripping” audio CD tracks to your hard drive), choose the Plextor Premium, as long as it remains available. Otherwise, choose any 48X, 52X, or 54X model from Lite-On, Mitsumi, Samsung, or Sony, based on price.
For a combination DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive, choose any current model made by Lite-On, Samsung, Sony, Teac, or Toshiba that supports 16X DVD reads and 48X or higher CD-R writes. If you need to read writable DVD discs, make sure the model you choose explicitly lists compatibility with the formats you use. If you need to read DVD-RAM discs, buy a Toshiba model. Otherwise, all are reliable and priced similarly, so buy the least expensive.
For a DVD±R/RW drive, choose the 8X Plextor PX-708A or the 12X Plextor PX-712A (ATA) or PX-712SA (S-ATA). Our second choice is the Sony DRU-530A. For those on a tight budget, the NEC ND-2500A is the best inexpensive 8X DVD±R/RW drive.
Avoid optical drives from any manufacturer other than those named above. External USB optical drives can be a pain in the butt. Avoid them in favor of an internal drive unless portability is paramount.
 | If you've enjoyed what you've seen here, or to get more information, click on the "Buy the book!" graphic. Pick up a copy today!
Visit the O'Reilly Network http://www.oreillynet.com for more online content. |
Next: Video adapter >>
More Computer Systems Articles
More By O'Reilly Media
| Recommended by Dev Hardware |
|---|
|
