[bnm81002]

I'm looking to replace my CD-R drive for a CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo Drive, the 2 models that I'm considering are the Sony CRX320A/U or the CRX320AE/U drives, but I couldn't find what the differences are, so I'm in need of some help here please? since Sony has a $20 rebate for either model, I just want an inexpensive combo drive, thanks for any help

 

[crazijoe]

Why get a DVD/CDWR combo drive. Just get a DVD+-RW drive. The price have gone down so much on these things you can find them for under $50.00. They will write to both DVDs and CDs.

 

[bnm81002]

I know that, but I'm replacing the CD-R drive on my low level computer, so it can't operate a DVD-+RW drive, my high end computer has that already, thanks

 

[ebackhus]

I'd go instead with a Plextor brand drive. They've proven themselves to be reliable countless times in my experience.

 

[bnm81002]

what is going on here? do people read or what, I asked for the differences of the 2 Sony drives, plus I stated an INEXPENSIVE replacement of a CD-R drive, which means it is being installed in a LOW END computer and I see replies telling me to buy a drive for a HIGH END computer? so can others please tell me the differences of the 2 Sony drives? thank you
here's the computer that will be installed with the Sony drive:
Pentium II 350 MHZ, 128MB RAM, 7GB Drive Space

 

[crazijoe]

I'm sorry. Ususally when I buy an optical drive, whether it is an DVDRW or not, I never spend more than $35.00 for it. If I was replacing an optical drive in a PII 350 I would probably just replace it with another used CD-R drive for less than $15.00. Since the age and the performance of the machine is lacking, it usually is not much good except as a web console or a word processor.
It doesn't look like there is any noticable difference in the 2 Sony drives you have listed. Most the time the only difference is what is packaged with the unit.
What kind of price were you looking at spending? Maybe we can find you alternatives to the Sony.

 

[bnm81002]

I'm sorry. Ususally when I buy an optical drive, whether it is an DVDRW or not, I never spend more than $35.00 for it. If I was replacing an optical drive in a PII 350 I would probably just replace it with another used CD-R drive for less than $15.00. Since the age and the performance of the machine is lacking, it usually is not much good except as a web console or a word processor.
It doesn't look like there is any noticable difference in the 2 Sony drives you have listed. Most the time the only difference is what is packaged with the unit.
What kind of price were you looking at spending? Maybe we can find you alternatives to the Sony.

nah, no need to say sorry, the main reason why I'm getting a Sony drive is because there's a $20 rebate for either model and I also had a $30 cash card from Staples, so I went and ordered the drive from Staples, total of $75.84(-$30 cash card and -$20 rebate)so it's $25.84 final total, which I think is a good deal for me, don't know which model will come in, since they were out of stock, have to wait till my order comes in next week, hence my post, seems to me the A/U model is slightly better than the AE/U one, if you read my previous post of the differences, what do you think? I can always return the Sony drive and get a CD-R or CD-RW drive, I like the Plextor PlexWriter Premium model though but it's a liitle more expensive then the Sony model but the idea of a DVD-ROM Combo drive is good also, so any ideas of a drive for under $50? thanks

 

[crazijoe]

Normally I buy most of my parts through Newegg. Fast delivery, great prices and excellent exchange policy is what keeps me going back to them.
You might want to check them out.

http://www.newegg.com/

 

[jflan]

I've got the Sony CRX 320 A/U. It's the OEM version from Newegg for about $34.00. I think that the other model you list is simply the retail version of the same piece.

Regards,
JF

If you want to upgrade that PII 350, PM me...I'm on a PIII 500 512MB ram that used to be a PII 350 64MB ram.

 

[bnm81002]

ok update here, found out I can't install the Sony combo drive because my low level computer doesn't meet the requirements needed to use and install the drive, so my next and best option is getting the Plextor PXPremium model but doesn't have DVD-Rom drive, oh well, have to use the one in my high end computer then