Awhile ago, I posted asking for some recommendations on a DVD recorder. I mentioned a Sony (DRU530A) and Plextor (PX708A). Now I am thinking of getting an external instead of internal. Is there any thing I should know about external vs. internal? Is there any reason I should NOT buy an external? Both companies offer the model in external (more expensive than internal). They connect by USB 2.0 or firewire (I have both on my computer). Thanks.

Anyone know about externals?

Sorry,I know nothing about internal or external.

But I think,one is inside the box and the other is outside the box.

Some one will be along to help you in a few minutes,sorry I could not

LilJoe

Joyce.

Sales or special prices on the 8x Plextor 708-uf are almost non existant; but carefully watching.

The functionality, speeds etc represent no change from the internal. I see either having no available bays, ease of installation (with no need to even open the tower) or possibly ease of access as the reasons for purchase of the external.

I cannot think of a reason outside of the additional cost not to purchase an external. 8x dvd+/-R disks will also cost more. You might give thought to awaiting the arrival of the double sided DVD writers supposedly due out shortly. (Even bigger $$$$ )

~Justin

I have got the 708A, but have no experience with an external unit. The 708UF has the same specs. and comes in 12 color choices, so if it is in your budget go for it. It's portability is certainly an attractive feature and as far as I am concerned, you can't go wrong with Plextor. It looks like it is what my old SparQ drive should have been and then some.

GreyFalcon, how do you like the Plextor? I read it prefers special media. Have you found that it doesn't like the cheaper brands? I use Staple's Optimum CDRs and they work great with my current CDR drive.

So far I have just used Fujifilm DVD+R and Verbatim DVD-RW media. Both work great. I just received My order of Verbatim DVD+R 4X media media but haven't had a chance to use it yet. I had an accident at work, and almost lost my finger, so I'm in a cast before surgery, and limping along with a left hand and a right thumb. Really hate it when that happens, off work and can't even catch up on the games I never have time to play. If this drive is any where near as accurate a reader as my Plex Premium, I could see how it might read flaws in cheaper media, but I haven't used it enough to find out yet. I have used the Plex premium to copy damaged CD's reading all the data options that Clone CD offers, and had the copies work again, so I'm very impressed with Plextor.

Grey Falcon, thanks for the information and sorry about your accident. Ouch!

The only worry I would have is transfer speed. I don't know if USB2 (which is probably what an external drive would use) is as fast as IDE internal. Also firewire. I would look into that before settling on internal or external.

Thanks for the replies. I didn't know about the double-sided, but might be worth the wait.

There are no double sided DVD recorders coming out, The next generation DVD recorders will record on two layers on the SAME side of the disk resulting in about a 9GB recording capability, as is true with commercially made DVD's. there are also recorders in development that will use a blue-violet laser which will record between 20GB and 30GB of data on one side of the disk. If you really don't mind waiting there are still more high density optical laser recorders in development that don't use disks at all.

There are always new technologies "just down the road" but you could die waiting. I know people who still don't own a computer, because they just know there will be a better one available next month...

Shelly

Thanks Shelly, you are so right ("die waiting"). I'm too impatient anyway. What do you think of the externals?

Shelly.

>>>>There are no double sided DVD recorders coming out, The next generation DVD recorders will record on two layers on the SAME side of the disk

Thank you for the correction.

~Justin

I see no reason why there would be a problem using Firewire or USB 2.0. I don't know if you could boot from an external drive though. It seems to me that it would be a good way to back up your system. The only drawback is the higher cost due to the case and power supply.

Shelly

Thank you Shelly. I don't have an extra bay and external would let me keep my existing setup, DVD player and CD writer.

If that is the only concern, keeping your current setup, the 708A will make a fine replacement for your DVD player, and save you some money in the bargain. I would only get the 708UF if you want to use it to transfer data to computers without a burner setup. You will still have to install drivers if you are dealing with a 9X machine, not to mention installing burning software, if that is part of the reason for wanting a portable setup, and with older machines you will be choked down with USB1 transfer rates.

GreyFalcon, I have XP so hopefully no need to install any drivers. But I was thinking of copying DVDs. I am currently making svcd of photos and videos and playing them on my DVD player (standalone connected to TV). But I would like to make DVDs of these shows and it would be easy to make copies of them if I had the external drive and the existing DVD player.
Probably won't buy right away..........just spent $460 on fuel oil

Probably won't buy right away..........just spent $460 on fuel oil.

Ouch,how long will it last you? I'm on natural gas and pay $44 per month year long.

LilJoe

LilJoe, Usually when we fill up in January, it lasts till March. That will last till October. We just paid $1.16 per gallon (NJ). In 2003, we spent $1300. 2002,$950. We like the house nice and cozy, 70-72.

Stan, I just assumed the USB2.0 or firewire would work as well as the internal. ??

I shouldn't think transfer rate would be an issue. The fastest PATA IDE bus speed is 133MHz (UDMA6) and my burner operates below that(UDMA 2). USB2 is 480MHz and Firewire 400MHz so my logic tells me it should be fine.

I have heard that even though USB2 is slightly quicker Firewire still performs better in this kinda situation (?) Plus with Firewire you could daisy chain another 63 devices if you wanted to

Thanks Steve, that's good to know. I doubt if I'll ever chain 63 devices; maybe 50