New CD-RW needed PLUS Office XP is HOT!!

[Graham Petrie]

Hi, my CD-RW just burnt-out taking my office XP CD with it - big melted spot on CD, and all of the circuitry arounf the laser is gone! Out of waranty, so I am up for a new CD-RW.

Question One. Do you think MS will replace my Office CD without forking out for a entire new license (I have already paid for it, and just want a replacement CD) Also, how do I cantact them? They are not in the Ph Book, and the website only has a AKLD # (toll call).

Question Two. Can anyone recommend a good CD-RW to replace my old one. I don't want to spend more than $250. Even better - which brands should I stay away from, and I will choose amongst the rest. So far, I have found a decent priced "Diamond Data" one - does anyone know what these are like??

Cheers

G P

[Graham Petrie]

OK, I have got it down to the following list - comments for and against please. (Speeds are in the format write x re-write x read)

Diamond Data 32x10x40 $157.50
Diamond Data 40x12x48 $185.00
Sony 32x10x40 $189.00
Asus 32x10x40 $220.00
Asus 40x12x48 $250.00
Richo 32x10x40 $195.00
AOpen 24x10x40 $225.00
LG 24x10x40 $158.00
LG 32x10x40 $174.00
LG 40x12x48 $224.00
Cyberdrive 32x12x48 $157.00
Cyberdrive 36x12x48 $197.00

Comments greatly appreciated

[SoniKalien]

I hear good things about AOpen

[Terry Porritt]

Recently bought the AOPEN "JustLink" 24x10x40 on "special" +Nero 5.5, and it works well with no problems.
Cheers

[Terry Porritt]

PS.. only $167.63 :)

[godfather]

Graham, do you have insurance? Given that it was an "electrical accident" your XP CD replacement might be covered.

Probably not the drive (but maybe... if you had the common "fusion cover?)

[Lohsing]

*cough cough* .... Rip off prices for your CD writers you have posted!! Sad, but true...

Check out http://www.pricespy.co.nz

God... Over $225 for the Aopen when you can get it for $155 INCLUDING GST... Shipping would be minimal as well!

Also take a look at trademe... there are a quite a few writers going for a lot less...

Lo.

[Mike]

> Sony 32x10x40 $189.00

Same as the one I've got - works very well, and fast enough (how many CD-R disks are much faster anyway?) I'm very happy with it and would recommend it.

Also try writing to MS in Auckland re your munched disk. But the comment about insurance is a good one - would cover both the Office CD and the CD RW.

Mike.

[Graham L]

And since there is now a new NZ standard for low cost fire sprinkler installations, perhaps you should try for a drive with a sprinkler head inside it. ]:)

[Peter H]

Aopen is great. http://www.pcgamer.co.nz
$160.00 with Nero 40-12-48
Bye

[Chilling_Silence]

Hehe, AOpen are v/good and so is Richoh. I know you can get some now for around $120 I saw one in the back of last months PC USer Mag I think, that was a 32x10x40 Speed, not too sure on the brand.
Go for neroo software if you get the choice, I just updated to 5.5.9.0 and it rocks, especially nero express!

Chilling_Silence

[Graham Petrie]

Thanks guys- keep the comments coming. Insurance excess is too high to bother, anless MS don't want to replace it (I am waiting for a call-back from customer service at the moment) My policy covers "Burning out of electrical components", but I wonder if they would mind the fact that I opened the drive up to see what was wrong. Hmmm.

Will see what MS says - if they want to sell me a whole new CD, then I will definitely claim the insurance.

G P

[godfather]

It shouldnt matter that you nopened it up, as you had to "ensure that it wasnt going to re-ignite" Its not a warranty claim.

[Lohsing]

You know what, read up on some reviews for various writers in the market... might change your opinion on some writers... eg, given the opportunity, I would take an Asus 32X writer over my AOpen 32X even though both are essentially the same...

http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/

Combine this with price, reliability and most of all, and also what you want to use the writer for... (simple back-up or 1:1 copying, digital audio extraction, etc...)

Hope it helps!

Lo.

[Graham Petrie]

With all the positive comments, I am looking at going for an AOpen 40x12x48 for $153 from pcgamer.co.nz, or $158+p&p from tauranga computers. Peter - what was your experience with pcgamer.co.nz like? What kind of warranty did they give you? I have had a look and they are a small business working out of home in a small Dunedin suburb. (Not necessarily a bad thing).

Has anyone got any negative comments regarding my choice, or would like to recommend a different writer?

MS have not yet got back to me - the tech had to talk to his superiors. I had a nice "discussion" with him as it was his opinion that the $1oos I had forked out for the product was for the disc itself - not the license or the software, and told me to buy another one. I told him on no uncertain terms that I already had paid for the software, and the $5 to press another CD was pitance. He then got my details and ran to the higher-uppers.

I hope they replace it as my flatmate pulled my CD-RW apart thinking I was throwing it away (I had told him that that was my intention, so I can't really blame him). So, I don't know if the insurance company will believe me now that half of the dc motors are missing from it, and it is in about ten pieces.

G P

[Lohsing]

Aopen 40X at $153 incl GST.... DROOL!! :D Nice choice... hope you enjoy it... now how about that cd-r media at 40X... ;)

[Baldy]

>
> I hope they replace it as my flatmate pulled my CD-RW
> apart thinking I was throwing it away (I had told him
> that that was my intention, so I can't really blame
> him). So, I don't know if the insurance company will
> believe me now that half of the dc motors are missing
> from it, and it is in about ten pieces.
>
> G P
Just be straight up with the insurance company, and tell them that originally you weren't going to make an insurance claim - until you realised the cost of the damage. Can't say why they wouldn't pay out, just make sure you have all the bits. They will get an opinion from one of the computer shops anyway.

BALDY:-)

[mikebartnz]

Lite-On is a pretty good brand. They have been around for years but only recently started their retail line.

[andy]

Graham,
MS number used to be 0800 800 004 - it's a while since I rang them but it's probably still current. Give them a ring - you don't get if you don't ask!
Regards,
Ray A

[andy]

Whoops, I should have read all the posts, shouldn't I. Never mind. If you have the original cd (complete with burnt patch), and you have a copy produced as a personal emergency backup that is still usable, is that breach of copyright? If not, I know where you left your backup copy (just ask me).
Regards,
Ray A.

[Graham Petrie]

Cheers Ray - that will be my solution if they don't come to the party - I am sure somone I know has my backup.

As far as the toll free no. for MS - cheers (if it still works - I remember ringing it earlier this year) I have spent a total of 30 mins on the phone to them so far during peak times. I am still waiting on the management decision.

I have also heard good things about Lite0on - many reviews make comparisons of the reveiw product with lite-on or plex..?? writers.

G P

[Jester]

Gidday

Whether or not your insurance policy will respond will depend on the cause.

If it is an external cause (such as power surge), then it is likely that there is cover for the CD Writer, as part of the PC system, however you will have to satisfy insurers that there actually was a power surge (what else blew up Mr Petrie...?). Power companies readily supply information to insurers regarding power supply reliability to specified addresses.

If the CD Writer just spat the dummy, then I'm afraid it is unlikely there is cover for that item under a domestic policy. Commercial policies can extend to equipment malfunction, however this is usually subject to an additional premium and policy addition. Fusion generally relate to electric motors, which have coils that actually need to fuse together for fusion to have occurred. Most common occurrence of this is in refrigeration appliances.

Look to your policy to establish what sort of cover you have for computers and software. It is common for this to be covered on an indemnity basis or cover limited to a certain number of years old. The indemnity (read: second hand) value of the CD Writer and software could be less than your excess.

Lastly, if the cause is malfunctioning of the CD Writer, you may be able to claim on the disc as this is resultant damage. Bear in mind the possibility that software could be covered for indemnity.

Also be aware that insurers can often replace software at academic rates, which again, reduces the value of the claim. Take away your excess and compare the difference that any increase in next year's premium may make ..... you may see that it isn't economical to claim.

J.
:D

[Graham Petrie]

Thanks J. My policy has no specific clause for electrical equipment etc except "You are not insured for the breakdown, failure or wearing out of any part of any mechanical or electrical equipment unless burning out occurs.

My premium will increase by $50 if I make a claim, and the excess is $350. Therefore, the total cost of replacement for office PLUS cd-rw would have to be more than $350. So, if MS does not replace the disc, I will just get a burnt copy from a friend, and buy a new cd-rw (total cost = $160). So insurance is probably not going to be economical as you say. I have learnt a lot though, so the time and $$ has not been a total waste. Will also end up with a cd-rw with a higher write speed than my dead one's read speed.

Thankyou everyone. I will be buying the new unit tomorrow afternoon, so any comments re: make/model will still be appreciated until then.

G P

[-=JM=-]

You should be able to get a replacement CD from MS when you show your licence and burnt CD.

As for a CDRW this (http://www.inhouse.co.nz/prod_info.php?cat1=22&cat2=3&prod_id=1574&page_id=00003) is just a rebranded Lite-on and Lite-on are the best.

[Mike]

> $158+p&p from tauranga computers. Peter - what was

hmmm... reminds me of a thread a while back about shops in Tauranga... I hate Tauranga computers - they're cheap, yes, but service? non-existant... :) you'll get your goods in reasonable time, but don't expect much after that.

Mike.

[Graham Petrie]

Hmm, you're right JM - identical specs, plus same buffer-underun protection technology. Now I ave a split decision as I have heard lots of good things about Lite-on.

Darn!

Someone please make my decision for me. :-)

:D

G P

[Peter H]

Re pc gamer. I have recently bought a new MB + the cdrw from them & would highly recommoned them. Daryl is the owner & is great to deal with. Re cds - Melody 40x from warehouse stationary - $1.00 each work fine.
Bye

[Graham Petrie]

That's testimonial enough for me to stay away from Tauranga Computers.

So, that would make it $153 from pcgamer for the Aopen, or $177 inc p&p for the 4kus/lite-on. JM, what are in house computers like? What is the support like for the 4kus writer?? How does it perform IYHO?

G P

[Babe Ruth]

GP,

I just HAD to have a couple of cents worth:

Go for the LITEON...

Babe.

[Susan B]

I'll back you on the LiteOn Babe, I've got one of those.

Mine's a 24x10x40x and I've had it since December 2001. Had no problems with it and it came with Nero so I'm happy with it. Haven't got the price I paid within reach right now but it was a good deal for that speed and it's probably a lot cheaper now. I know of other people, including in the US who are very happy with theirs.

Get a LiteOn Graham. :D

[Graham Petrie]

Well it's not really a lite-on, but JM assures me that the 4kus and lite-on are the same thing. Evidence suggests he is right. They both use the same technology, both share identical spec sheets, and I have seen a system that specifies it's cd-rw as a 4kus(Lite-on OEM).

So, I guess it is a lite-on after all :-)

Will probably go with that depending on the comments I get re InHouse computers- thankyou once again everyone.

Have talked to Dwayne re the AOPen - he says "hi", Peter.

G P

[GaryK]

I bought a 4kus (strange name) CD-RW 32x12x40 2 weeks ago $118+gst.
Seems pretty good so far.

[-=JM=-]

There was a thread over at [http://forums.overclockers.co.nz]OCNZ[/url] lately about the 4KUS drive. They're exactly the same as the Lite-on and you can flash it with the 48x Lite-On firmware if you like.

I've got the Aopen 40*12*48 here and it does the job. But it won't do SafeDiscII according to CloneCD if you're into that kind of thing.

I've never used Inhouse before but I know of someone that works there. He's a mod at that other place.

[Lohsing]

Strange that you mention the Aopen 40X can't do Safedisc 2 cos I think the 32X version can... at least when I tested it, it seemed ok?? Where did you read that it couldn't?

[-=JM=-]

Have a look at here (http://elby.ch/english/products/clone_cd/writers/a.html#aopen)

[antmannz]

Graham, for the ultimate in coolness:

Yamaha CDW F1 Series OEM - $330+GST (Limited Numbers, Pre Orders)

The New CRW-F1-Available now with Yamaha's Exclusive DiscT@2™ Laser Labeling System

Ultimate Performance and Exclusive Laser Labeling System
Yamaha's revolutionary CRW-F1 allows you to record a full CD in under 3 minutes and burn your own text or graphics on the disc at the same time!

Yamaha's Exclusive DiscT@2™ Laser Labeling System

The new Yamaha CRW-F1 provides Industry-first 24X CD-RW rewriting and an advanced audio/data quality recording system to create studio-quality audio CDs.

DiscT@2™ Yamaha's exclusive DiscT@2™ system burns graphics and text on any CD, eliminating the need for labels.

F1 Speeds Allow you to record a CD up to 15% faster than any other high-speed (40X+) CD recorder.
24X CD-RW Ultra Speed CD-RW rewrites in half the time of current CD-RW drives.

Mt. Rainer Support First ever 24X CD-RW rewrite speed with full Mt. Rainer support.

Maximum Speed/ Maximum Quality 44X audio rip and read speed.

Advanced Audio Master™ Quality Recording System Record studio-quality audio and data with Yamaha's exclusive Advanced Audio Master recording system.

Audio and Data Both audio and data are recorded at top speed (unlike other high-speed recorders).

Maximum Performance Full-CAV technology designed to guarantee maximum performance.

SafeBurn™ Buffer Management System Eliminates buffer underruns and allows for reliable multi-tasking.

Plug and Play Easy installation with full Windows XP support.

ETA 5-10 Business Days

... from the pcgear (http://www.pcgear.co.nz) newsletter. I've checked their site, but it hasn't been updated yet.

[Graham Petrie]

I like that yamaha, but it is about twice the amount I want to spend (once you add GST).

I went with the 4kus. I will let you know how it perfroms once I get it - shipping it from inhouse computers.

G P

[Basil Pesto]

Graham - Have you heard from Microsoft? Interested to know what happens.

[Susan B]

Graham, when you tell everyone what CD writer you've got, they are going to think you are swearing. :D

[Graham Petrie]

Susan, lol It's not pronounced f**k You's, but four kuss, as in focus. :D

Basil, M$ got back to me yesterday. I think hey are going to replace it. They said they looked in their storeroom, and didn't have any in stck (It was an upgrade of XP Pro from 2000), so they are going to ask their head office if they have any and get back to me. No word today.

At least it seems like they are going to replace it (no word of charging me yet either).

I wonder if they will ask for proof of purchase?? I hvaen't been asked yet. I don't exactly have a receipt for it either as it was a promotion when I bought 2000 - XP for the cost of p&p ($25) when it came out as I got 2000 a week or so before XP came out. I don't think I got a receipt for XP, although the original discs and cd case etc should be enough, as well as my receipt for 2000.

ANyway, I will keep you posted.

Oh, I forgot before to say why I chose the 4kus.

It was more expensive than the Aopen, and after lots of research, I decided that there was little difference between them in terms of quality. The final decision maker was that knowing th 4kus was really a Lite-on 40125W, I went to cdspeed2000.com and had a look at the comparison charts. Both had their strong points, but the lite-on had an overall write speed ranking of 6th, and the Aopen came 14th. Hence the decision.

G P

[Susan B]

Yes Graham, but you try saying four kuss in an Irish accent... :D

[andy]

Graham,
If you got XP as the upgrade deal, didn't it come by mail from M$ ? I seem to remember mine being posted to me. If so, M$ will have a record of your purchase and your compulsory on-line hidden-agenda registration, so it shouldn't be a problem.

[Graham L]

But they use their own database software, so they won't be able to find the entry.

[Graham Petrie]

Yes it did come by mail from MS (twice! NZ Post lost it the first time!), but when I mentioned this to them they seemed confused, and din't remember even having the promo! They said it must have been a retailer promo, and I should go talk to them. I didn't start an argument, but instsed that they were the ones who should replace it. So at the moment that is a moot point - well if it gets tricky I can always show them my VISA statement!

G P

[-=JM=-]

> Graham, when you tell everyone what CD writer you've
> got, they are going to think you are swearing. :D

yeah they're a weird name. But they're a Lite-On at heart (but not at price;))

Also I see I've made another person move over to that other place.

[Susan B]

> Also I see I've made another person move over to that
> other place.

Hehe, do OCNZ pay you commission yet? Cash, chocolate or parts? :D

Oh, and what did you say his name was? LOL

[Graham Petrie]

Hmm, you too Susan?? This is still my home though. :D

The in-house guy is viper_nz I think.

I have kept my moniker from here.

G P

[Susan B]

> Hmm, you too Susan?? This is still my home though.

JM converted a big bunch of us Candy testers a few months ago. :D

We thought it might "come in useful" being members of That Forum, but like you, this is our proper home.

My handle over there is different to this one.

[-=JM=-]

That would be correct Graham.

[Graham Petrie]

Susan - I haven't worked out whom you are on OCNZ yet, but I am 95% sure that JM is G***4L*** {letters emitted in the name of privacy}

Would I be correct?

G P

[Graham Petrie]

GOTTYA!!!

topazz

G P

[-=JM=-]

I think you could be correct Graham.

There are also a few others from here lying dormant there as well.

[Susan B]

> Susan - I haven't worked out whom you are on OCNZ yet, but I am 95% sure that JM is G***4L*** {letters emitted in the name of privacy}

> Would I be correct?

> GOTTYA!!!

> topazz

No comment. :D

[Graham Petrie]

I got my 4kus today - seems to work well - pretty fast and worked on my cheap discs. No buffer underrun, although my machine rebooted whilst burning one CD. I guess it was a RAM shortage - I was dialling up, sending files over the network, and burning the CD. I have 384MB RAM, so maybe not - who knows.

I will let you know how it goes over the next week or so - now I just have to find something worth burning.

I was tempted to flash the firmware with the lite-on one to really make it a lite on, but resisted as there were two possible models it could be, and it works fine, so why play with it?? Also, the 4kus site has no firmware download, so I didn't want to risk having an unusable drive if it didn't work.

Will keep you posted.

G P

[-=JM=-]

glad to hear that it's working fine.

I wouldn't bother with the firmware myself unless you get problems.

[Graham Petrie]

> I wouldn't bother with the firmware myself unless you
> get problems.


Yeah, i decided that aswell. Cheers for the hot tip on the drive - wouldn't even have considered it otherwise.

G P