"combo drive" cdroms

[Ryjor]

I am thinking of buying a cdrw/dvd combo drive. Are these things any good? Or is it a better idea to buy separate drives?

I like to keep things simple and inexpensive and this seems like a good deal to me. Unless they are notorious for being junk, thats what I really want to know I guess.

[DuNgA]

Guess it boils down to personal preference.

I have a combo drive in one machine, and a separate dvd and cdrw drive in another.

IMHO, it makes burning easier, when you have separate drives, that is when you are trying to copy a disc.

[not important]

I like my drives seperate. I haven't heard anything bad about the combo drives.
For a few more dollars you could get a DVDRW drive.

[glc]

The combo drives are a very good value, and we have had no problems with Lite-On and LG combos. However, my personal preference is for separates, simply for the extra versatility. If you will never be copying CD's, just get the combo. We sell a lot of machines with only a combo, it gives our customers an easy way to do everything while keeping it simple.

[Ryjor]

Aye, I wont need to copy cds. Thanks for the replys, I think thats the route I will take. And I will finally get my 2 white drives out of my black case,woohoo!

[Redfallon]

check newegg. they have a good price on a black 52x32x52x16 Lite-on...I think it's around $53

[glc]

If you shop at Newegg, look at the pictures, some of the OEM drives come with no software, and you really do need a DVD player and CD burning software. The burning software that came with your existing burner will not work with a different drive.

The Lite-On 52x "OEM bulk pack" comes with nothing. The Lite-On 48x "OEM" comes with Nero Express and PowerDVD.