External DVD Burner Recommendations?
 

I am looking to buy an external dvd burner for my Dell laptop. I have read many threads with internal burner recommendations but I don't own a desktop so internal burners are not good for me. Does anyone own or have used an external burner that they really like? I'm looking to spend $200-$300. I'm not sure if a single or a dual layer burner is the way to go as I have never used a dvd burner before. :confused:

I will be strictly using it to backup files and my dvd collection. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Can you please also list the price range if known? Thanks!

well, first off, same as recommended when people ask about external hard disks -

buy an internal and an enclosure, and put it together yourself :)

Take SiN's advice, get a good internal burner, like NEC (I own two of them) AD3250A, then get a 5 1/4" enclosure. You may need to get an USB 2 cable if you don't already have one. Total shouldn't be much more than $120.

Definitely go with dual layer. Why limit yourself with possibilities??? The price isn't that much different especially if you are going to build it yourself. If you don't want to build your own did a quick search and this is what I found. Seems to be a rather good burner, but once again, if you build your own, you could probably cut the price almost in half.

BTW, I used Shopping.com.

It seems like building it yourself is the general consensus here. Are the steps complicated or is it simply putting the burner into a 5 1/4" enclosure (any enclosure will do?) and connecting a USB2 cable?

wow... post #2 and the same reconmendation.... first i agree... get an encloser so you can make your own external. 2nd watch slickdeals.net for burner deals. As i am posting this for you right now there is a deal for a $48 external DVD burner... i think you want an I/O magic one... is what i have read b/c of some software they have that helps you find good media.