CD-RW Recommendations please

[gregmacc2002]

Hi everyone. I'm about to buy my first CD writer.
I'm relatively new to computers so the learning curve is steep.
These are my needs: Backing up Playstation games with the least amount of fuss possible. - Transfering large image files to CD for archiving. - Backing up scratched and dirty audio CDs (without the pops and crackles if possible) to play on my home and car sound systems.

Super high write speeds are not a priororty. I will gladly trade speed for reliability.
I don't plan to use re- writable media in the foreseeable future but I will buy a CD-RW if there is no good reason not to.

My local IT Warehouse recommends Liteon LTR24102B.
I can also get Liteons 40x/12x/48x at a reasonable price.
I've heard the Plextors are good (although a bit expensive in this part of the world).

Any suggestions greatly appreciated....Greg (Adelaide, Australia)

[gh0sth@cker]

You didn't mention making backups of copy protected cd's in your priorities. This is what the Lite-on's are excellent at. Plextors are excellent at handling audio as their circuitry is specially suited for it.

"Backing up scratched and dirty audio CDs" Although Plextor's are good with audio, there's not a magic burner that can read through scratches unfortunately. You could try using the toothpaste trick on the scratched cd's (gently rub toothpaste over the surface to "fill" the scratches.)

If copying games is also a priority get a Lite-on, if not, then get a Plextor as they are very reliably, come with a 2yr warrenty, and are more durable.

[gregmacc2002]

Thanks Ghosthacker, backing up protected game CDs is a priority.
I just assumed all Playstation games were protected.
While we are talking about Liteons: The guy at IT Warehouse was telling me that many of the latest CD-RW drives have been designed to be very difficult to copy protected discs (to keep the software publishers happy). He recommended the LTR24102B because it is older technology and will copy "just about everything". Is there any truth to this or is he just trying to move old stock?
Also, some of the reviews I have read make a point of mentioning that the Liteons do not write at speeds less than 8x. Is this an issue? Do some jobs need to be done at slow write speeds?

[gh0sth@cker]

Some PS games are protected and both drives will do them ok - for PC games, the Plex will copy everything possible upto Safedisk 2.51. Lite-on's will copy everything possible including SD 2.51 and up.

There are sometimes rumours that manufacturers are in bed with the games developers but these are usually just rumours. No cd-writer manufacturer will publically say whether their drive can copy games or not as they don't want to end up in trouble.

It is not true that the fast Lite-on's (32X, 40X and 48X) cannot copy protected games. If you are going for a Lite-on, take any speed not below 24X.

As I don't have a Lite-on, I don't know what it's minimum write speed is, but with Lite-on's you can blast it at full speed (if the media can take it)

[podunkviller]

i think minimum speed is 8x

lite ons, as long as its the 24102b and up...not the 24101b

[themis_t]

liteons are cheap + good!!!!!!!!!!