CDRLabs.com

I found out the Staples will have the I/O magic drive for $40 after rebates. From what I've heard this is an rebadge Benq 1620.

http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com/sales.php

I think this is the absolute best deal for DVD burners on Black Friday. Way to go, Staples.

I hope all of you looking to get the BenQ get one, there was a post on cdfreaks where someone got a BTC in the I/O Magic box.
Pay close attention to the specs on the box...

The BTC should have:
16x DVD+/-R Write, 4x DVD+R Double Layer Write
-8x DVD+RW/4x DVD-RW Rewrite, 16x DVD-ROM Read
- 48x CD-R Write, 24x CD-RW Rewrite,48x CD-ROM Read

The BenQ should have:
16x DVD+/-R Write, 2.4x DVD+R Double Layer Write
- 4x DVD+RW/4x DVD-RW Rewrite, 16x DVD-ROM Read
- 40x CD-R Write, 24x CD-RW Rewrite,48x CD-ROM Read

This is typical of I/O Magic, you never know what they stuff in there and when it's going to change.

Looking at the picture and specs (CD-ROM Read: 40X, Max) on the Staples site, it appears to be neither.

I'll pass on it.

Slim

Thanks, Pchilson. I'll check in any case, keeping my eyes on the specs.

According to benq's web site the 1620 only reads cd-roms at 40x.

http://www.benq.com/storage/storage_dvdrw_dw1620.html

Comparing the stats of the i/o magic and the 1620 they seem to be the same.....

Slap me silly, you're right!

So confusing...where'd u get those specs, Pchilson?

EDIT: There's 1 discrepancy @ Staples vs. BenQ and that is over the 16X DVD-R writing listed on the official site versus 8X on Staples.

lol....I bet it is a typo. we will find out tommorow....i've got a good feeling that it is the 1620

don't have to wake up early or rush to the local store.

order it online & you might be able to set some extra discount with coupons

http://www.staples.com/catalog/browse/s ... t%2Easp%3F

if not working , try to order it using catalog # 575690
http://www.staples.com/cart/orderbycatalog.asp

shipping should be free until dec 24, 2004 for any orders

most other deals are available online like maxtor 160gb 8mb ata for 40usd after mir except teon 40pk disks

True, but I want to be able to see/feel the box/specs with my own eyes/hands.

I don't have any Staples coupons...I guess they have the $30 off $150 (which wouldn't apply here), but I'm sure I would find others if I was to search high and low.

Compare the face plates shown in the Staples link and the BenQ link and they look different.

Slim
Who will be at Best Buy at 6AM.

shimman wrote:don't have to wake up early or rush to the local store.

order it online & you might be able to set some extra discount with coupons

http://www.staples.com/catalog/browse/s ... t%2Easp%3F

if not working , try to order it using catalog # 575690
http://www.staples.com/cart/orderbycatalog.asp

shipping should be free until dec 24, 2004 for any orders

most other deals are available online like maxtor 160gb 8mb ata for 40usd after mir except teon 40pk disks

yeah i saw that. problem is that i am picking it up for my uncle as a present and i will be seeing him tommorow. also i want the teon disks.......

CowboySlim wrote:Compare the face plates shown in the Staples link and the BenQ link and they look different.

Slim
Who will be at Best Buy at 6AM.

I will

I was able to buy online. I bought the Drive and a pack of Teon, which if we get lucky they could be TTG01's. If you add the drive and any other product that is on the black friday list, there is a instant coupon code. The good thing is the easyrebates are done online automatically when you order. The specs on the website for the drive says 2.4X write speed in dual layer, which is more than likely the BenQ since this is the firmware upgrade they announce to go to 4X. My friend bought one this morning and said he got a BenQ with the B.... firmware already, so no need to go from G* to B*

Good Luck

Wow, they sold like h0t cakes at brick & mortar.

I made a last minute decision to take advantage of the 17" BenQ LCD monitor for $150 @ MicroCenter (who had a 'Mad Dog' unit for $30!). When I got to my local Staples afterwards, all were gone, so I couldn't compare the specs on the box to the authentic ones from BenQ.

Now I must consider taking the plunge and purchasing the unit online.

bah, sold out. The search continues.