External DVD drives

[thequicksilver]

I'm in England and am on the lookout for an external DVD writer for use with both my iBook (see sig) and my PC. Though I'd prefer Firewire, I'm seeing that practically all of the ones in my budget (more or less £70 give or take a few quid) are USB2 models.

Does anyone here have any experience with any USB2 DVD writers, and if so, how well do they behave with OS X? I know my iBook is supported and stuff for USB2, but I've read a few scare stories suggesting that it's nowhere near as stable/fast/life defining (that last one's maybe taking it a bit far) as a Firewire drive. Some reassurance would be useful.

And if you've any links for decent Firewire ones, please let me know.

Many thanks. :)

[Solafaa]

I have a USB2 DVD wrihter and i never had any problems with it, might be a few cases or bad drives, i think you should buy a LaCie since they have great support for macs.

[Littleodie914]

Have you checked out Plextor (http://plextor.com/english/index.html)? I'm not sure if they offer any external USB2.0 burners, but I know they make firewire. The reason I recommend them is that they just released their new 16x burner, so the 8x and 12x should have seen a price drop. I think if you check eBay, you can find the 8x for a little under $100, and the 12x for around $150. Could you maybe tell us how much you're planning on spending? This'll help us come up with hardware in your price range.

[Littleodie914]

Another place I just found is eFonya's eBay Store (http://stores.ebay.com/eFonya-Com/On-Sale.html). I've never used an eBay Store before, and I'm not quite sure how they work, but she has tons of USB 2.0 burners for less than $100. Her seller feedback is also good, with only 1 negative out of 312 total reviews. Good luck! :D

[thequicksilver]

Have you checked out Plextor (http://plextor.com/english/index.html)? I'm not sure if they offer any external USB2.0 burners, but I know they make firewire. The reason I recommend them is that they just released their new 16x burner, so the 8x and 12x should have seen a price drop. I think if you check eBay, you can find the 8x for a little under $100, and the 12x for around $150. Could you maybe tell us how much you're planning on spending? This'll help us come up with hardware in your price range.

Thanks for the suggestion, but please re-read my opening statement. I'm in England and am looking to spend £70.

You lot in the US get things much cheaper than us I'm afraid. :(

[Artful Dodger]

Hi, you could try the refurbs on the LaCie site as well, they go from $100-150 the last time I looked. I was thinking about getting one also. :p
Sorry didn't see the "I'm in England and am looking to spend £70".

[Littleodie914]

Thanks for the suggestion, but please re-read my opening statement. I'm in England and am looking to spend £70.

You lot in the US get things much cheaper than us I'm afraid. :(Ahh... Sorry for not seeing that... Welcome to me in the morning! :D Did you check out the eBay store? 'Cause £70 is approximately $120-$130, isn't it? That would at least cover the cost of the burner plus shipping and handling. Perhaps my math is wrong.. It's entirely possible this early :o

[thequicksilver]

No problems. :)

To be honest, I'm more inclined to stick with a UK retailer due to cheaper potential return prices, warranty and such things, though I'll keep my eyes peeled for good sellers in the US. Thanks for the heads up.