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DVD Burners
- Best DVD burner Samsung SH-S223Q *Est. $30
- Best Blu-ray and DVD burner Pioneer BDR-203 *Est. $210
- Best DVD burner with Blu-ray playback Pioneer BDC-2202B5PK *Est. $135
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- State-of-the-art speed for IDE
- Excellent value
- LightScribe-compatible
- CD-RW burning disappointing
- No LightScribe software included
If your computer is more than a few years old, you'll need an IDE DVD burner, since your motherboard probably does not have an SATA connector. A couple of reviews point to the LG GH22LP20 as the current best IDE burner, and the brand consistently fares well in reviews. Although designed for the older IDE/ATA connection standard, the LG GH22LP20 is up-to-date in terms of burning capability. Reviews say that this 22x burner is on par with any competition, although one notes that CD-RW writing quality is disappointing. The LG drive burns every type of media, including DVD-RAM. It's LightScribe-compatible, but won't label discs without additional software.
IDE DVD burners are still being manufactured, but are not reviewed too often anymore -- especially since most of the hardcore-enthusiast review sites which write about optical drives tend to focus on newer technologies like SATA drives. About.com and CDFreaks.com are among the few to take a look at the LG GH22LP20, but they like it a lot. Newegg.com has hundreds of reviews, and Amazon.com has a handful as well.
Our Sources
1. CDFreaks.com
This anonymous reviewer takes a long look at the LG GH22LP20, recommending it highly. He writes, "It effortlessly produces quality burns faster than most other drives to date." The only substantive criticism is that CD-RW writing performance is underwhelming.
Review: LG GH22LP20, "Kip R.", July 9, 2008
2. CDRLabs.com
Reviewers at CDRLabs are impressed with the speed and features of the LG GH22LP20, especially considering the price. They particularly like LG's SecurDisc technology, which prevents unauthorized access and copying, and helps prevent disc errors.
Review: LG GH22LP20, Editors of CDRLabs.com, July 21, 2008
3. About.com
About.com's guide to computer hardware Mark Kyrnin lists his top current IDE DVD burners, and the LG GH22LP20 is first, named best all-around drive. It's also named as best for LightScribe. His brief description says the drive is a solid performer, though he notes that it is usually sold OEM (by the original equipment manufacturer), which means it lacks cables and other installation necessities, as well as LightScribe software. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Best IDE DVD Burners, Mark Kyrnin, Feb. 18, 2009
4. NewEgg.com
Over 300 users provide perspective on the LG GH22LP20, and the drive gets an average score of four out of five. Sixty-nine percent give it top marks, citing the drive's speed and quiet operation. Some users report software compatibility issues.
Review: LG GH22LP20, Contributors to Newegg.com
5. Amazon.com
Only seven users give a rating to the LG GH22LP20 at Amazon.com, but they are all positive; none are below four out of five stars. The drive is commended for its speed and quiet running. The worst critique is that one user expected the unit to come with installation screws.
Review: LG GH22LP20, Contributors to Amazon.com
DVD Burners Runners Up:
2 picks by top review sites.
LG Electronics GGC-H20L LightScribe Blu-Ray/HD DVD Combo Drive (Black)
 from Amazon.com New: $145.00
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