After all are the Plextor writers any good?

[Dethread]

Hi,
I have finally decided to exchange my shitty HP 8100i with a new good CD-writer, which should be fast, reliable and be able to copy the newest game protections (like SD2). CDMediaworld claims the Plextor PX-W121032 to be the best IDE writer currently available. But then I have read about all those problems people had with this CD-writer. And now I read that the Plextor burners are not able to burn SD2 anymore as Plextor now uses a new firmware. So after all, are the Plextor burners any good? I am willing to pay up to $300 for a good burner. Any recommendations?
Thanks in advance,
Dethread

P.S.: Excuse my English since German is my first language...