New HL2 box shots
 

if a comp doesnt have a dvd burner or even a reader (rom) then it doesnt deserve to run HL2
:lol: >:)

heh.. i agree :)

I'm tempted to get a combo drive. Memorex $69. DVD Rom/Video reader, CD Burner. Anyone know where I can get a combo DVD Burner?

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...131-327&DEPA=0

the mail in rebate makes it an even better value
plus its from a highly reputable manufacturer ;)

black dosen't fit my case color (or lack thereof)

to hell with memorex.. even the one stinky posted is better.. come on dog...

i ran outta ideas :confused:

ok

all dvd burners reads dvds as well
and burns CDs too

so all dvd burners are just called dvd burners (no need to call them combo drives)

secondly, being a plextor owner, i have to say that i am very dissapointed with their dvd burners
especially PX-708A
compatibility with this drive is as shitty as a cheap one

but it is fast when you feed it top of the class media
such as Taiyo Yuden, MMC03 (and on), Richojpnr01/02

basically, dont go with plextor unless you are ready to pay some higher prices for premium dvd+/-Rs

get the Pioneer DVR-108A
highly praised as having top notch burn quality, decent compatibility, speedy z-cav strategy, several hacked firmwares available, and not outrageously expensive like plextor drives
only downside is it doesnt do bitsetting for +R
so if you have a dvd player that doesnt read +Rs well, then just burn -Rs

so no biggy there

if just for some reasons you really hate pioneer, you can look into NEC 3500A
its one that rivals the Pioneer 108A but someppl like 108A better because of some features from hacked firmwares.

if you want to go a little cheaper than those 2, BENQ 1620 is decent too

take your pick
anything but the plextor (ferrari, needs high octane fuel)

the one @ newegg uses 108 (Not A). Which is getting good reviews. the latest firmware is 1.14, and everyone is loving it. TYVM ET. I think I'll be going with it

yea... my nec2500A has a VERY had time with my far-cry dvd.. while my laptop's drive has no problem with it.. flashed all kinds of firmware to no effect... after alot of pain and suffering I got it installed.. and I have to use a no cd crack or else I can't play 90% of the time.. sigh.. everything else has been great, however...

btw
memorex is not a reputable brand

their DVD media now are just crap
CMC, prodisc....

nothing worth buying

go with maxell DVD+R (richojpnr01) made in taiwan or made in japan
maxell dvd-r (TY) made in japan only (dont buy made in taiwan)

get the real source of Taiyo Yuden if you can
or some 16x verbatim (MCC)

btw
yeah
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...129-156&DEPA=1
DVR-108 = DVR-108A
there are so many different model names for the same thing
just named differently for different marketing regions
we canadians get DVR-108A
*shrugs*

AX is another one but its got a bit of different hardware
its made to be a silent drive
got some special software for that special hardware as well
if silent computing is your pick, then go for the AX version