DVD writers.. what to look out for..

[timmcat]

Looks like the budget for my xmas present might just stretch to a DVD writer (providing it's less that £100). PC World are doing the RICOH MP 5240 DVD+RW kit for 90 quid.

Any pitfalls to watch for? My PC is P4, so hopefully power should'nt be a problem. I know there are a number of formats, and that it may be a while before a clear winner is evident.

Any suggestions?

[Naples Air Center, Inc.]

timmcat,

There are currently two competing formats, the +R/+RW, and -R/-RW. If you are going to get a DVD Burner, you need to get a dual standard Burner so you do not end up with a DVD Burner for the format they end up dropping.

Here is an interesting, 8.5GB DVD+R discs, drives to ship April '04.

Expect double-layer, almost double-capacity DVD+R drives and media to hit the stores next April, members of the DVD+RW alliance say.

The technology, co-developed by drive maker Philips, and media specialists Verbatim and Mitsubishi Kagaku, adds a second recording layer to a standard-thickness DVD+R disc, taking the medium's capacity from 4.7GB to 8.5GB.

You can read the full story here:

8.5GB DVD+R discs, drives to ship April '04 (http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/54/33733.html)

Take Care,

Richard

[BayAreaLondoner]

I have used one of the Sony dual format drives for a while, as have two of my friends. We've been happy with them. Sony has done a good job of releasing firmware updates to give speed improvements. Even at $300 it was a good deal.
As with everything else, it depends on what you want and how long you expect it to last. If the aim is to create DVD videos, the -R format is supposed to have more compatibility with "normal" DVD players (i.e. connected to your tele rather than your computer). Having said that, most modern standalone DVD players should be happy with both - mine certainly is and it was bought over 3 years ago.
Certainly the single format ones are cheaper than the dual format drives. +R seems to be more popular than -R and media is often more available and can work at higher speeds.
If it were me, I'd spend more and go for a dual format drive. If you just want something and expect to replace it in a 12-18 months (when they'll be $50) then get whatever is cheapest.