Topic: How long should a CD burner last.

[lds490]

I bought a new computer about a year ago, maybe a little less.  It's a low end machine that came with a generic CD-RW drive.  The drive stopped working the other day (won't read or write).  I've burned A LOT of disks in the past year.  Could the drive be dead from overuse?  I've tried the Windows troubleshooting function (useless) and reinstalled the drivers--still no luck.

I can get a new Sony CD-RW from Newegg for $25.  Should I get this as a replacement or should I be looking at better models? 

[dnsacks]

CD burners can and will die after a while, sounds like this is probably what happened to yours. 

Personally, I'd buy a Pioneer dvd108 dual layer dvd burner instead -- see http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=25737.0 -- I think they're around $84 plus shipping now.  This will burn everything from cdrs to 8 gigabyte a pop dual layer dvds.

[Ed.]

yeah, i've killed a cd burner or two in my day too.

I'd definitely look into a dvd burner tho, dvd-rs are getting a lot cheaper (around $.50 a disc) and a burner can be found anywhere from $60-$90 depending on if you get dual layered or not.  its worth the extra money, specially if you're burning flacs/shns onto them.

[highwayjill]

my sony is still going strong... 3 years and i wouldnt be surprised if its burned over 10,000 discs

[JTL]

In time they just get burned out you know.. 

JTL

[roskile]

My second cd burner ever was the TDK VeloCd Writer 8x burner. I had purchased this one because it had DAO which was a must to trade live cds, as the first one I had purchased only burned TAO.

I bought it in 2000 and it just died out on me early this year. I agree with everyone else tho, go with a dual layer dvd writer. I know I'm looking to upgrade to one soon too. 

[mizary]

I recently found 4x dvd-r or dvd+r's for $0.40/ea (micro center) - which is about what I was paying for blank cd's 6 months ago.  It kills me to use cd's for anything other than audio (CD-A) these days...  But making the switch to dvd's is sure gonna screw up my show archive organization system. 

and to stay on topic...  CD/dvd players in my experience last about 2 years before they die or start malfunctioning...  Although I had a generic cdrom (not a burner) that lasted at least 4-5 years...  and at one point I let a cd play in it for about 2-3 months non-stop.

Now if only I could find a dvd player that won't die or start acting crazy after 1-2 years...

--mizary

[dnsacks]

FYI -- slickdeals.net reports a $9 after rebate special on a "mad dog dominator 4x" multiformat dvd burner --

http://www.slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=43458

At least some folks have found this to be a re-branded toshiba.

Also, slickdeals.net reports a 12x plextor multiformat dvd burner for $40 after rebate from dell small business -- http://www.slickdeals.net/#p5249

[super-phat-al]

get a dual layer dvd burner over on newegg. check the retail section.  i just got an NEC and i love it.

[Ed.]

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