CDRLabs.com

I've been checking everyday for this.
NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive, Beige, Model ND-3500A BG, OEM
Model# ND-3500A BG
Item # N82E16827152031

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDe ... 031&depa=1

Ordered... Thanks

want.... need..... MUST HAVE!!!!

Finally, an appropriate use for the emoticon

I ordered it in such a hurry I forgot to add the free dvd-r's. So I called to have them add it to the order and he accidentally voided the order he felt so bad he upgraded to free next day air I'll have it Friday for $87.99 shipped plus the free 5pk of media.

ClayBuster wrote:I ordered it in such a hurry I forgot to add the free dvd-r's. So I called to have them add it to the order and he accidentally voided the order he felt so bad he upgraded to free next day air I'll have it Friday for $87.99 shipped plus the free 5pk of media.

Wow! now *THAT* is customer service!! You'd never get that from Meritline

I wish it came with Nero though. I'm thinking of also buying a cheaper drive (ie Liteon 8X) with Nero and eBaying the drive, but keeping Nero. The Liteon 832 is cheaper than buying Nero out right. Does anyone know if Liteon locks the Nero serial number to their drive ? I have a Memorex CD-RW Drive that they did that with.

Why not just buy one of the cheap OEM copies from ebay make sure you get NERO 6 SUITE-3 though? OR if you already have an older version just buy the upgrade from Nero.com and not worry about it.

This is a pretty good deal.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 46492&rd=1

Via pricewatch is another way to obtain Nero for about $10 box for OEM disk

Just placed an order for a black one

Thanks for the update!!

MB

any idea whether drive is available /will be available in silver?

It said it would be in the press release.

Code: Select all

The ND3500A will be available in beige, black and silver.

MB

why is the black one two bucks more? it seems like newegg charges a little more for black versions of the same drive.

Ordered Mine as well. Thanks for the tips on the $20 Nero deal. I don't know why I didn't check eBay. I checked everywhere else, even for an Academic version. But the best I could find was a $50 upgrade.

Now for media. What code should I be looking for on the packaging to find out who the real manufacturer is? Or is it best to just watch the posts for that info ?

Same here, got mine ordered before it goes out of stock.

Joker

machoboy6 wrote:why is the black one two bucks more? it seems like newegg charges a little more for black versions of the same drive.

In Canada it's typical for a shop to charge up to 5 bucks more for a black version.

Not saying that it's how it should be though

Oh and as for the drive's availability, I'd say "YAY!".

I don't regret my 2510A that I got a few weeks ago; my comp can barely keep up with a 4x write, and totally chokes above that speed. It's due for the museum.

If I build a new comp though, the 3500 is definitely in my sight.

Thanks for the tip. Just ordered mine.

Thanks for the heads-up.

Why does everyone want a Nec 3500a drive? The Pioneer 108d may be a better drive. It will also probably will improve with new firmware.

The Pioneer 108d isn't looking to bad compared to the Nec 3500a.
http://www.flashman.dsl.pipex.com/Pioneer-NEC.htm

I wouldn't base the Pioneer 108d on just one test by Cdrinfo. Their drive could have been bad or they could have had an early drive.

I think people should wait for reviews of final drives with newer firmware before they decide.

That's just my 2 cents

I would wait until Ian gets a review of both of them up to buy one.
Also, the Benq 1620 and NU DDW-162 may be good drives also.

because its alot cheaper then the Pioneer I'm sure.

hydrogen wrote:Why does everyone want a Nec 3500a drive?

Cheap and good is the magic keyword m8! You will never be able to buy the new Pioneer for that price!

I just checked and the beige NEC 3500 is $96.00 from NewEgg with shipping and the Pioneer 108 is $98.00. So, price really isn't an issue (at least in the US). I would also wonder whether the NEC is better than the Pioneer. I look forward to reviews from Ian.

The NEC does have faster CD-R read/write times!

However, those are just specifications on paper and most people buying this drive or the Pioneer probably don't care about CD-R read/write times anyway

MB

Here's a site that's in the middle of a review of the 108 vs the 3500.


http://www.flashman.dsl.pipex.com/Pioneer-NEC.htm

pio's 108 review wasn't impressive at all & the 16x writing with 108 took more than 12x writing on 108

107 was one of the favorit 8x drive just because its impressive writing quality on -r media but that wasn't the case for the 108 through cdrinfo's review

3500 seemed to have better writing quality & speed than 108 plus 3500 is cheaper than 108...what can i say 108 was a disappointment for me & others

Vanderlow,

Thanks for posting the link, but did you check my post? I posted that link already. You might have missed it.

Shimman,

I wouldn't go by one review. How if cdrinfo got a bad or not final drive. A new firmware came out that they didn't get to test. I would wait to reserve judgement on the drive when we see some more reviews.

Did you see the review comparing the 3500 to the 108d that I posted a link too? The Pioneer didn't do too bad. I'm sure it will keep getting better with new firmware releases.