DVD Rom specs?

[livnhumanwrinkle]

I'm getting a dvd rom for my system to play movies; is there anything else it could be for? Does anyone have any info on specs to look for in one (ie access time, interface, drive read speed, compatibility issues, etc?) What is desireable and what is not? What is the latest in technology that I should be aware of. And, what caveats might I need to keep an eye out for. Or, does anyone have a good site to surf that can give me current info on DVD's. (Those that I've researched are antiquated.) Thanks.
Also: I'm not interested in a dvd- writer at this time.

[rond36]

My DVD drive is a Pioneer 106S UDMA mode 4 drive

PIONEER INTERNAL ATAPI 16X DVD-ROM MODEL 106S SLOT load 16X DVD/40X CD-ROM, 256k buffer 95ms DVD-Rom High-Speed Average Access Time 80ms CD-ROM access time. High-Speed Average Access Time -95ms DVD-ROM -80 ms CD-ROM. Reads single and dual layer DVD-ROM/Video, -R/RW, CD-ROM, Audio CDs, CD-R/RW, Video CDs, Photo CDs, Hybrid CDs, CD-Extra (CD-Plus) and CD-Text Discs

You can get one at Newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=55&manufactory=1167&DEPA=1) for $46.00
You can get it in tray load model 500M for $49.00 at the same place.

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Soyo P4S-Dragon Ultra, Intel P4 2.0GHz(northwood), 768MB Samsung PC2700 DDRSDRAM, 2 WD 100GB HDDs, ATI A-I-W 8500DV 64MB AGP video, SB Audigy MP3 PCI, Plextor 40X12X40 CD-RW, Pioneer slot load DVD-ROM, Multi-boot Win ME, XP Pro, XP Pro striped down for games.

[saphalline]

I have that one! I love the slot-loading! *slurp* - the CD/DVD disks get sucked right in. And when they come out, the center hole just clears the front of the unit so they won't easily fall out and you can easily put your finger in it to put them away. Tray-loading is so passe.

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"No, we do not gnaw on our kitty." - Dr. Evil

[livnhumanwrinkle]

Thanks, rond36. You've given me enough specs to look out for in a dvd rom. And thanks, saphalline for the testimonial.

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"So shines a good deed in a weary world."
-Willy Wonka