CDRLabs.com

If Sony's DVD±RW drive is out of your price range (or not in stock at a store by you), you might want to check this drive out. Outpost has it on sale for $225.99 after a $50 mail in rebate.

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/3612885

Rebate:

http://image.fp.outpost.com/art/rebates_pdf/3612885.pdf

I can't find any info on this drive. It doesn't even show up on Ikebana's website (http://www.ikebanadrive.com). No idea who makes it (NEC ND-1300??) Here are some of its specs:

Write (CD-R): 4x, 12x, 16x, 24x
Write (CD-RW): 2x, 4x, 10x
Write (DVD+RW/+R): 2.4x
Write DVD-RW 1x max, 2x max.
Write DVD-R 4x, 2x, 1x max.
Read (CD-R, CD-ROM, CD-RW): 32x Max
Read (DVD+RW, DVD-ROM): 8x Max
2MB Buffer Size
Supports all major writing formats
210 msec (32x) Ave. Access Time (CD)
160 msec (8x) Ave. Access Time (DVD)

Noticed that they didn't specify DVD+R write speed. What's up with that?
I think it's a NEC ND-1300A too, cdfreaks seems to think so.

bhairavp wrote:Noticed that they didn't specify DVD+R write speed. What's up with that? ...

Yup, it's specified. To note:
Write(DVD+RW/+R): 2.4x .

Hmmm...I'm rethinking my decision about purchasing a Sony DRU-500A(X).

2MB Buffer Size eh?

that why Sony must cost more then eh? it has an 8MB buffer and it writes 4x for the +

Yup the Sony can do 4x on some + media and it has a bigger 8meg buffer. Plus it says Sony on it so that's worth a extra 50 right there
I have one, basicly it's been flawless, it at least writes at minumum speed and the disks always work, so I'm happy. I got tired of waiting for it to go on a good local sale and I got a very good x-mas bonus so merry x-mas to me Besides there wasn't much else out at the time that could do it all and mainly got good reviews.

I just received this drive from outpost.com today. I was surprised to see that the buffer size mentioned on the box is 8MB. I was hoping that that wasn't a misprint.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the Ikebana DVD±R(W) drive (model number IKEDVDRW4224248) is a rebadged (drum roll please)...Sony!

Specifically, it's the OEM version of the Sony DRU-500A, the DW-U10A (also sold as the Buffalo DVM-4222FB in other markets). With a firmware patch to convert it to the DRU-500A's firmware and with the latest DRU-500A firmware, it will write at 4X to DVD+R and DVD-R.

So if you like the DRU-500A(X), but you'd like to get it at a lower cost; then, buy the Ikebana from outpost.com. I'd hurry though.

^^^ WOW!
Very Nice For the price then.
Thanks for the great news Reg-da-Ripper.

Anytime, BuddhaTB. You're welcome.

Wish they'd had that drive and info when I paid 350 for my 500a
I'm all for saving a buck but getting good value also.

Is this available anymore?

My colleague is considering buying my A05. If so, I can buy a second dual burner, so I don't have to worry about keeping an equal ratio of DVD-Rs and DVD+Rs or more DVD-Rs than DVD+Rs anymore...

The 510 is sposed to be out now or very shortly for a slightly better price or you could just find the OEM version like the Ikabana for cheaper elsewhere. Porbably not 225 but hopefully better then 350. I believe they are going for a bit over 300 now.

Thanks for the info.
There was a TDK dual brner for only $260 w/ free shipping and no tax a few days ago, but that was before I was seriously thinking about selling my A05.

I may sell my A05 now and then wait for prices to come down or 8X to come out, before buying a 2nd dual burner, since I have the DRU-500A (installed in my other PC) anyway.

VEFF wrote:Is this available anymore?

My colleague is considering buying my A05. If so, I can buy a second dual burner, so I don't have to worry about keeping an equal ratio of DVD-Rs and DVD+Rs or more DVD-Rs than DVD+Rs anymore...

No, but the DRU-500AX is on sale:

http://www.outpost.com/entry?site=op:mfe2&sku=3543264

Not as good of a deal though...