After a windows meltdown, I decided to get a dvd writer. It took me over 3 hours to transfer and backup on cd's all my files before I reformated the HD. With the DVD writer I backed up 7 cds on one Dvd disk. But now about the writer.
I did some research and asked around. The Optorite name keep coming up. It was said to be quiet and burns disks with few coasters. They were right.
Installation was easy, but the directions that came with the writer were poor. The picture setup steps may help those who don't like to read the steps. I simply took my old drive out and made the setting match the the old cd-writer. Windows XP did the rest. One problem was the firmware that came with it. It had the latest firmware, but for some reason the drive did everything except write to a disk. I had to down grade the firmware for the 160ware to the 150ware, got it from their web site. Problem fixed. Why it did not work with the new one, I am not sure.
One tip I got is to make sure the writer comes with Nero 6.0 software. The optorite burners that come with different software are made by a diferent company that make real cheap drives. Nero software is the sign of the better drive. Make sure you upgrade Nero after you install, it's free.
The writer cover most all types of disk DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, CD-R, and CD-RW. So far I have all good burns. The speed is also good, burned a movie in 20 minutes.
Unit comes with white and black covers for looks, Nero and other software. If you never had a dvd player you will need to add power dvd software to your system. It is on the disk other than that just use the Nero. I also have Roxie 7.0, but the more I use Nero the more I like it.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 55
Operating System: Windows