16x dual-layer DVD writer roundup

Anandtech takes a look at this season's 16x DVD writers with dual-layer burning capabilities and finds that NEC's ND-3500A (which we use here at Engadget HQ), the budget-priced drive at only $68, is the top dog, easily burning CD-Rs (at 48x speed), CD-RWs (24x), DVD-R (16x), DVD+R (16x), and DVD+R Dual Layer (4x). They were happy with the majority of drives, almost all of them under $100 each, but the MSI DR16-B and Sony DRU-710A both burned DVD+R Dual Layer coasters (which at ~$8 per, is one expensive mistake) during their tests, which may be resolved by firmware updates in the future.

[Via Slashdot]

[Andy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM]

Can anyone recomend a good external DL DVD writer?

[Scott Johnson @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM]

I supposed it's time to retire my old trusty Pioneer 4x DVD+R drive. $68 is just too cheap to resist, especially since that includes dual-layer support.

[Jason McLeod @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM]

I have to say I agree that it is a great drive. It is very fast, I've burned an entire spindle, and have not had a single coster. Even when the buffer got kinda low in Nero.