Looking to buy, format question

[Sizzle]

It's finally time for me to get a DVD writer. I have a few questions. I have been doing some reasearch and have narrowed it down to two drives.

I probably will do some data archiving, but plan on doing some multimedia stuff with my drive. My question is, how viable is DVD-RAM as a standard? As I understand it, DVD-RAM is the best format for data archiving. Though it appears there are compatibility issues in some cases. Is DVD-RAM in it for the long hall, or is it going to fall to the way side? Any helpful opinions would be welcomed please.

I'm either going to get the LG 4040 if I decide on a DVD-RAM drive or I'm going to wait it out for the new Plextor to hit the states.

[CowboySlim]

Sources which I respect consider that both DVD-RW and DVD-RAM are on the way out. You might look here: http://www.hardwareguys.com/picks/dvd.html

Hopefully, the opinion stated above will flush out others.

[Violent J]

DVD-RAM is nice for the 9GB discs but they won't work in your DVD player, X-Box, PS2 etc. If you want to get into DVD burning go with a dual format drive that burns both -RW and +RW so you have the best compatibility. There are many dual format drives out there to choose from. I have the TDK 440N so I of course would recommend that but they are all good I have heard.