To all those DVD burning Pros::D

Please guide me as one of my friends wants to buy DVD burner. One saw at BestBuy was HP DVD200i (DVD+R/+RW)for $249.00. If he buys this, can he use DVD-R/-RW CDS without any problems???? I know -R / -RW are cheaper CDs, than + type CDs. We saw SONY for $349.00 uses all formats but right now we can afford $249.00 around that.

Thanks.;)

He will not be able to burn the competing format and he may not be able to read it, but it will probably say on the box or he can look it up online. He should be able to read any CDs and burn CDs without a problem. That Sony can be found for as little as $330, so it could be worthwhile to save up a bit more cash....

Hi Budfred, you did it again - 'You are the Best':D
I will going to BestBuy this evening and check Sony for the features if it will work on my friend's sys. He bought Gateway 1.0Ghz PIII, 20GB HD last year, if works, I will call him to buy it. This Saturday I will install in his sys at my place. I will let you know how it go by next week.

On one IDE cable he has two HDs (Master and Slave) and on another IDE cable he connected CD-RW 16X. Is it ok if I make CD-RW as Slave and DVD burner as Master on this IDE??? I hope I don't come across any problems. Like I said I will keep you posted.;)

Thanks.

The debate rages back and forth about putting 2 optical drives on one cable. The only thing that I have heard might happen is that you would get a little bit of a slowdown on recording because the signal would have further to go and to work around the signal coming from the other drive. I would probably try it and switch it later if there were any problems.

Thanks again. I did explained that to him and suggested to buy Sony external which is better to avoid problems. So he may buy next month after saving some money.

Unless he has USB 2 or Firewire and gets an external to match, he is actually probably better off with an internal. The main advantage to the external is portability, although it is also easier to install. However, you also pay a big premium for those features. I am also not sure if the multi-format Sony comes in an external, have you already checked for that?

Yes, Sony DVD-RW external is around $429.00 USB 2, internal is about $329.00. Guess what he did now: he end up buying HP printer/scanner/copier for $99 as his printer stop working otherday. For time being DVD is on hold. At least I learned something new from you which will be pass it on to others i.e. knowledge.
Thank again.