I've never thot about DVD burners in terms of 'performance'. Rather, I think the chosing is found in the *faetures*. I mean, all burners with the same with same features are going to preform similarly to each other.

Also to consider is that DVDs are still evolving. Unlike CD burners, which have now reached maturity, DVD are headed toward the dual-layer, dual-sided format (17-GB capacity, I think).

And features will cost you. If you want a dual-layer burner, it will cost more than a single-layer burner. In the end, the decison is yours .. as to which features you want and are willing to pay for.

For me, I would get a dual-layer burner, and the faster one possible, so as to future-proof myself as best as possible. But others might get a cheapo single-layer and wait until dual-layer burners drop in price. Prices usually drop on the previous models when the next stage (features) is released.

The core parts of the burner are all made by the same group of companies, so you aren't going to find many differences between various brands.

I've never been much for adapters. Many work fine, but I try to avoid them whenever possible.

I've always liked Plextor for optical drives. But they can be pricey. NEC is a very popular brand.

^-^ Wai_Wai ^o^  -

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