Another "external DVD burner" query

[RHPConsult]

A good friend (my sainted audiologist!) has questions about . . .

1. speed comparisons between her last-version PPC iMac G5's DVD-burning performance and that which might be achieved in a new external box
2. the better (faster/flexible/whatever) software to do the deed via an external burner
3. recommendations from personal experience hereabouts with really effective external DVD devices

She has found that her iMac's internal CD burning takes 10 minutes to do what her present external CD burner takes only 1 minute. Now, that she's doing more DVDs (accomplished amaterur photographer, y'see) she finds it's requiring a full hour to do one job.

So, she's looking around, and knowing of my enthusiasm for the collective wisdom of the TeeEss Gang she asks for advice.

I've already sent her Similey's recent thread.

Should any of you be able to go a bit father along this path, it would be much appreciated.

 

[RobW]

Hi Dick,

I recently bought an external DVD drive through eBay. I've been very happy with it, but to be honest, have nothing to compare it to. It's a LaCie D2 8.5GB Dual DVD+-RW Drive (Firewire). Came with Toast, Lightscribe Software, etc.

[Xairbusdriver]

Burners usually proclaim their burning speeds in large numbers on the box. Already installed models will usually report they capabilities in the burning apps info about them ( iTunes suggests a Max speed of "X" which is what it sees as the fastest the burner is capable of. I assume iDVD does the same.

However, there may be other factors such as buffer size and bus speed that will also limit that speed. Certainly, an external USB 1.0 drive will be slower than a USB 2.0 or any FireWire model.

The software used should have little, if any effect on burning speed, IMHO.

[krissel]

I've had a NEC 3540 external 16X DVD burner for about 18 months without problem but I must admit I haven't used it a whole lot.

It's available now for about 1/2 to  3/4 of what I paid.

http://www.dealtime.com/xPF-NEC_NEC_16X_DV..._RT_ND3540ABKRT

[Paddy]

I got a Pioneer DVR-111D for my sister for her birthday. She put it in her G4, but it would work fine in an external FW/USB 2.0 enclosure.

Pioneer DVR-111D at NewEgg.com - $5 less than I paid for it in May.

External enclosures run around $30 and up:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16817145130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16817145316

HTH.

[RHPConsult]

Thanks, everyone. This should do the trick.

Very helpful . . . and clarifying . . . not always coextensive!