External DVD Burner

[Joolz34]

Hi,
Id like to buy an external DVD burner to use along with my MBP. Basically Im looking for something that will be compatible with most types of media and formats (DVD+/-R and RW, also DL if poss) and at least 8x burn speed but more would be better. It would also be nice if it were portable but this is not absolutely necessary.

Ive been doing some research and most of the places seem to recommend or be promoting Lacie drives but I was wondering if I couldnt just buy a good DVD burner and put it into an enclosure.

Im really interested in hearing what you guys would recommend or are using and have had good results with - any recommendations/suggestions?

Cheers,

Andrew

[hiltond]

The LaCie d2 DVD-RW drive is basically a NEC drive in a LaCie enclosure. LaCie doesn't make the drives. I have one, and it works great for me. Some people have had issues, but flashing the firmware fixed most issues I have heard of. It comes with Toast, so that is an added benefit. The burn speed is faster then your requirement (16X).

DL media is very expensive, and has been for a long time. This drive has it, but it's too costly.

[MrENGLISH™]

hiltond, How do you flash the firmware? I've been having problems burning DL discs with my d2 lately.

Thanks

[hiltond]

MrENGLISH

Navigate to this page (http://www.lacie.com/support/drivers/) on LaCie's website. Download LaCie Update Tool v1.3.3 for Mac OS X. After the disk image mounts launch the application. This will check to see if you have the most current firmware. You most likely do. If you relaunch the application while holding the option key, you will get the option to flash the firmware regardless of your version. The problem seems to be that even though no new firmware was released, it may corrupt. That is why you may need to overwrite the firmware.

Credit where it is due: Neverfade, Macintouch

EDIT: I just thought of something that is very important. Disconnect any external hd's or other devices that are made by distributed by LaCie. You never know what might happen.

[MrENGLISH™]

Thanks I will try this and give an update later.

[MrENGLISH™]

I'm holding down the alt/option key and relaunching but not getting the option to flash. Just says I'm up2date.

EDIT: I just needed to hook up the d2, duh! :p

[hiltond]

Hold down the key from before you click until you see this http://idisk.mac.com/hiltond/Public/LaCie Update Tool.png

You really have to hold it the whole time until that appears for you.

EDIT: So you didn't even need a device to be current, that is funny.

[MrENGLISH™]

EDIT: So you didn't even need a device to be current, that is funny.

No. I was referring to the update. Because I didn't have the d2 hooked up it wouldn't give that flash window.

I'm burning a DL disc now to see if it fixed my problem.

[hiltond]

Joolz 34,

While on the LaCie site I noticed LightScribe DL 16X units for $89 reconditioned in the Clearance Corner section. While you could buy an enclosure and a drive, this is probably a better deal.

[MrENGLISH™]

it stopped on me at the same spot as usual. I guess I must have a currupted file or something that won't burn right.

Anyways, these are the error messages I'm getting
http://www.davimation.com/AN/toasterror.png

PS - Sorry Joolz 34, I didn't mean to hijack your thread.

[Kusakun]

Hey guys, just a stupid question. What burner do u have. The one with usb/firewire or the one with firewire only? Because I have the firewire one and I was wondering if the USB one is faster than mine in burning capability.

Thanks a lot

[hiltond]

I have the firewire one as well.

[MrENGLISH™]

I have the one with usb/firewire and use the usb port. I don't notice any speed differences but I do wonder if its the usb port that is giving me my DL burning troubles :confused:

[FFL]

don't ever use USB for any kind of data x-fer when Firewire is available.

[MrENGLISH™]

don't ever use USB for any kind of data x-fer when Firewire is available.

But isn't usb 2 faster than firewire 400? Shouldn't it be better?

[RowdyScot]

Despite what it may say regarding transfer rates, no. FW is better.

[Joolz34]

I thought that lightscribe wasnt supported by toast etc yet? Is it?

Basically from what you guys have said so far though it seems that Lacie is the way to go?

Btw Im in Prague in the Czech Republic so unfortunatey my purchasing options are a little limited. We only have resellers here and they unfortunately dont stock a lot of stuff but they do have some Lacie drives in that support lightscribe as you mention.

Can anyone confirm for me please that lightscribe is working with Macs and what software youre using for it?

Cheers,

Andrew

[Joolz34]

Mr English : np with the thread "hijack" its all useful info :) Btw those errors youre getting I get with the internal drive on my MBP but it seems only with certain media. My MBP seems to be incredibly fussy in this regard as was the powerbook before it which given the "it just works" which macs are known for kind of disappointed me. Hence the need for a good external burner, incidently both of my internal drives in both computers were Matshita and I havent heard too many good things about them :(

Anyway back to your error messages - did you try another brand of media?

[hiltond]

Sorry Andrew, I've never used that feature. I looked at your profile before trying to recommend a product, but location isn't listed. The LaCie is a very good option IMO, but is certainly not the only option. Based on the fact that I've never shopped for computer equipment in your country, I am going to have to stand by my LaCie recommendation, as I am otherwise in over my head. Best of luck.

[Joolz34]

Thanks for the responses Hiltond, just a couple more questions if I may?

You mentioned that Lacie use NEC drives - any ideas which one(s)?
Also what are the problems that you heard about which were fixed by the firmware?

Cheers

[hiltond]

A quick About This Mac tells me that my drive is NEC ND-3520A. I don't know how often they change vendors or models. The error is a "unstable connection" error which can cause many coasters to be made. Additionally it will cause Toast to close and may cause OS X to have an error.

[Joolz34]

But otherwise your satisfied with it and youve had good results using it?

[hiltond]

Very much so.

[Joolz34]

Thanks a lot hiltond, incidently this is the drive that Im planning to buy;

http://www.lacie.com/products/product.htm?pid=10311

and Ive found out that lightscribe is supported under os x from this link;

http://www.lacie.com/support/support_manifest.htm?pid=10311

so its looking good so far :)

Thanks again

[hiltond]

Can you purchase from the US site? If you can it is pretty cool that they will ship it.

[MrENGLISH™]

Mr English : did you try another brand of media?

I have used Memorex DL Media in the past and it worked fine. My current media is Fuji DL. That probably is my problem :\ Sucks because of how expensive DL media is...

and I can confirm that LightScribe does work fine. Keep in mind that it takes 30 mins for the drive to scribe on the disc. 35 mins if you do best.

[Kusakun]

Lacie product are great. The D2 enclosure is one of the best ever seen. The Nec is great. But I wish they come back with pioneer :no:

Anyway great product!