External DVD writer
 

Can anyone recommend a External DVD Writer ? Dad wants a portable one for his many computers. Thanks in advance.

Re: External DVD writer
 

I've used the Sony one in the past (DRU105x or something like) which was OK - Just don't use the PC for anything else whilst writing!

Re: External DVD writer
 

I'm using a Lacie one (not sure of the number, but it's actually a Panasonic drive). It runs on either Firewire or USB2. I'm running it on Firewire...no USB2 on my PC.:cry:

It's pretty slow but has never failed even writing when I'm running other stuff.

Re: External DVD writer
 

Are external drives usable when connected via USB 1.2?

Also, I only have one spare USB port which I can't tie up permanently as I use it for downloading my digital camera. Are there any known problems with plugging and unplugging an external DVD drive fairly frequently?

Re: External DVD writer
 

I dont know of any DVD writers wich can opperate on USB1.1, basicly your maximum throughput on USB1 is 1,375KB/s wich is just about equal to a 1x DVDR, however due to overheads and such you never reach maximum speeds, would probably cause a lot of buffer underruns (Not nescesarily impossible though).

Have you considdered upgrading to USB2.0?? It would add a lot of new sockets (You said you where running short of spare USB sockets) plus I have found some USB1 products work better on USB2 ports.

From Ebuyer.... (I could have sworn I heard bifta hiss when I typed that lol)
USB 2.0 for PC Here £7.04
USB 2.0 for Laptop Here £12.92


As for an external DVD, It could be cheaper to D.I.Y.....
USB 2.0 Drive enclosure Here £57.57
8x DVDR Dual Mode & RAM capable Here £66.57

Total = £124.14
Very easy to assemble and you will probably find you will write better quality discs (Most externals I have found to be not so good quality at writing)

Or....
Pre Assembled Here £106.99

hmm, I wasnt expecting the pre-packaged one to be cheaper, the D.I.Y one is higher spec though so that may be worth takin into considderation.
Also according to the reviews the pre-packaged one has trouble writing to Orange Bulkpaq discs (BEst Ive used in terms of quality to price)