External BR writer

[iRock1]

Hi,

I need a Blu-Ray writer to connect it to my iMac late 2009. Since this model doesn't have USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt, I think FW800 is the best way to go in terms of speed

What are the best alternatives out there?


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[FreakinEurekan]

Depends on how speed-sensitive you are to the burning of discs. If you're in a hurry and need faster than about 8X, then yes, you need to go FireWire with that computer. This model from OWC is a 15X with FireWire:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MRF8BDSD15X/

15X is around 4GB per minute write speed.

Comparing cost, performance, and size to this 6X USB 2.0 model:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MRSSBDR6X/

That will burn around 1.6GB per minute.

So if you're burning 25GB discs to capacity, the first option will fill a disk in 7 or so minutes, including finalizing. The second will take around 16-17 minutes.

 

[iRock1]

Depends on how speed-sensitive you are to the burning of discs. If you're in a hurry and need faster than about 8X, then yes, you need to go FireWire with that computer. This model from OWC is a 15X with FireWire:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MRF8BDSD15X/

15X is around 4GB per minute write speed.

Comparing cost, performance, and size to this 6X USB 2.0 model:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MRSSBDR6X/

That will burn around 1.6GB per minute.

So if you're burning 25GB discs to capacity, the first option will fill a disk in 7 or so minutes, including finalizing. The second will take around 16-17 minutes.

Do all these BD writers need a power cable? I was hoping to find something fast and ready to work using the FW800 connection only.


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[FreakinEurekan]

Do all these BD writers need a power cable? I was hoping to find something fast and ready to work using the FW800 connection only.


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Looks like you have to pick fast or bus-powered, nothing out there with both that I can find.

 

[iRock1]

Looks like you have to pick fast or bus-powered, nothing out there with both that I can find.

Well, if I'm forced to choose I'd rather go with a bus-powered model.

Now, I've heard that this kind of slim models tend to fail more often than the ones with the typical bulky design, because of the way it's built. Is this true?


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[FreakinEurekan]

Well, if I'm forced to choose I'd rather go with a bus-powered model.

Now, I've heard that this kind of slim models tend to fail more often than the ones with the typical bulky design, because of the way it's built. Is this true?

Couldn't say. I use a bus-powered version, at the price I didn't worry too much about longevity. They keep getting cheaper so if I have to replace it in a year or two, so be it. I don't burn though, just read - I'm trying to get rid of my optical media, not add to it 🙂

 

[iRock1]

Couldn't say. I use a bus-powered version, at the price I didn't worry too much about longevity. They keep getting cheaper so if I have to replace it in a year or two, so be it. I don't burn though, just read - I'm trying to get rid of my optical media, not add to it 🙂

Well, it makes sense.

Anyway, do you know some FW800-powered model? I don't think USB 2.0 is the way to go. :-/

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Well, it makes sense.

Anyway, do you know some FW800-powered model? I don't think USB 2.0 is the way to go. :-/

At 6X burn speeds, USB 2.0 is fast enough.

 

[iRock1]

At 6X burn speeds, USB 2.0 is fast enough.

I see.

And what do you think about LG? I can buy different models from this brand in the local store. On the other hand, I would need to import the models that you recommended before.

To be honest I don't want to wait much longer, but I need to know if is acceptable or not to buy LG. If it's crap, I'd rather go with OWC no matter the waiting.


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