Which to Buy - Lite-On 52x/24x/52x or 48x/12x/48x ?

[wbarnett]

I dont currently own a CD-RW and am looking at these two Lite-On models. Money is a little tight at the moment so the LTR-48125 (£43) looks quite appealing as it is £7 less than the LTR-52246S (£50).

I can't decide between the two and would like to know if the faster drive is really worth it.

Thanks

[BuddhaTB]

There's an Excellent Deal This Week at Best Buy for an OEM Lite-On 52x24x52 CD-RW drive under the BUSlink brand for $44.99. It's a Lite-On drive straight out of the box and Nero and Windows will identify it as a Lite-On LTR-52246S. The only thing not Lite-On is the manual.

http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=8313

[cfitz]

First, BuddhaTB, congrats on breaking the 1000 post mark! (slightly belated since I wasn't checking in while on holiday)

Second, based on the currency units wbarnett is quoting, I believe he lives in England so the Best Buy deal won't do him any good (although those of us on the other side of the Atlantic should take advantage of the deal BuddhaTB recommends if in need of a new drive).

As for wbarnett's specific question, I personally would go for the LTR-52246S, not for the increase in speed, which isn't that great, but for its new hardware (including a new chipset). In my own experience the newer hardware seems to be more robust at reading scratched or dirty discs. The newer unit also seems to burn with a little better quality. I've used both the 5 and 6 series, and I do like the 6 series better.

cfitz

[Spazmogen]

I agree with cfitz & BuddhaTB.

Even with the £7 difference, the 52x drive is a better deal. It's brand new and you might be able to flash it with firmware from the next newer model from Lite On, what ever that may be.

Most of Lite On's past drives had this abaility to use firmware from a newer drive to upgrade yours.

I own the LTR 52246S and am very pleased.

The £7 difference is about the cost of 2 pints and a tip, is it not?

I know money is always tight. But the drive will be around a lot longer than a pint.

Besides, your m8's will be envious.


If you really can't justify the more expensive drive, you'll probably still be happy with the slower one.

(edit: sorry BuddhaTB, I neglected to give you credit too )

[coolestnitish]

You didn't mention the drive but I would suggest if it's available you might want to look into the 48x24x48 which should be a little cheaper. I know LiteOn didn't make a lot of these drives but it does use the same chipset as the 52x and will have all its features except the increased 4x speed in reading and writing which can easily be flashed.
I would recommend the 52x like the other members, but if the budget is a little tight then look into the 48x24x48 if available or even the 48x12x48 should be fine.

[wbarnett]

Thank you all for the swift replies, the advice was very helpful. I'll see if I can find the 48x24x48 drive, but if not I will go for the LTR-52246S

p.s. you're right about the two pints and a tip Spazmogen

[BuddhaTB]

First, BuddhaTB, congrats on breaking the 1000 post mark! (slightly belated since I wasn't checking in while on holiday)

Second, based on the currency units wbarnett is quoting, I believe he lives in England so the Best Buy deal won't do him any good (although those of us on the other side of the Atlantic should take advantage of the deal BuddhaTB recommends if in need of a new drive).

Thank You cfitz

It seems like I always forget to notice or pick up where someone resides, unless its noted in their profile.
Sorry wbarnett, for not being of much help to you.

[coolestnitish]

It seems like I always forget to notice or pick up where someone resides, unless its noted in their profile.
Sorry wbarnett, for not being of much help to you.

lol, don't worry bud most of the members are from US so you're right most of the time.
Plus you really are the hot deals member of these forums. You always find these great deals at American retailers and you try and share the deals with others. Unfortunately, many of use outside the US can't take advantage of these deals. I really feel newegg should start shipping atleast to Canada.

[eliminator]

There's an Excellent Deal This Week at Best Buy for an OEM Lite-On 52x24x52 CD-RW drive under the BUSlink brand for $44.99. It's a Lite-On drive straight out of the box and Nero and Windows will identify it as a Lite-On LTR-52246S. The only thing not Lite-On is the manual.

http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=8313

DITTO !!