Dvd - rw

[NeedScripts]

I was wondering if anyone can tell if DVD-RW is really useful?

Below are the 2 options, I am looking at.

-----------------------------
With DVD-RW
Pentium 4 2.4GHz
1GB DDR
2-160GB HDs
DVD-RW
CD-RW
Windows XP Home

Without DVD-RW
Pentium 4 2.6GHz
1 GB DDR
120GB HDs
CD-RW
DVD Player
Windows XP Home
-------------------------------------

I don't think I really care for having 320 GB of harddrive, 120 GB would be much more then enough for anything I do. Now my main concern is DVD-Drive. I like to have all the gadgets, but was thinking would it be worth spending 200-300 dollars more just to get DVD-RW (320 GB HD is kinda plus I guess)?

What do you guys think?

Thanks for the help.

NeedScripts

[edited by: NeedScripts at 6:03 am (utc) on April 22, 2003]

[martinibuster]

My understanding is that the format (aside from from burning dvd movies) isn't really settled yet.

I've skimmed a couple PCWorld and PCMagazine articles about DVD-RW, and though they make recommendations about certain hardware, it's usually in the context of making movies as opposed to making backups or other non-movie related uses.

As a longtime reader I've learned to read between the lines, and what's between the lines, and what's between the lines is that the technology needs a couple more years to settle.

It's very telling that any time they rave about a dvd-rw, it's usually in regard to burning movies.

[NeedScripts]

So the only use for DVD-RW is making movies? I was thinking that many of you guys might also be using it for backup, cuz if I am not wrong 1 DVD can store about 3 to 4 GB of data....

[bill]

The DVD-RW, DVD+RW & DVD RAM formats are the ones that have the most compatibility problems with standard DVD players. DVD-R & DVD+R seem to work just about anywhere you have a DVD player. The RW discs could be good for data backup or taping your favorite TV show...over and over and over.

All of these DVDs are going to be obsolete in about 5 years with Sony type Blu-Ray Discs coming out. They hold about 23 GB per side on the rewritable media.

[lgn]

I hear that the lattest generation of players
have resolved the incompatibility problems. These
are the new 4X DVD writers and are listed as

DVD +/- R +/- RW 4(x) and will read all four formats.

Haven't tried one, however a co-worker is giving it a raive review. A lot better than those first
and second generation DVD writers we have in the past year or two.

[Macguru]

Hi NeedScripts,

If you see no use for it now, I suggest to save your money and go without it. If you need it later in a year. You will probably pay a lot less to add it then.

[NeedScripts]

hum... lot to think about before I make the final decision.

The main reason that I was thinking of getting DVD RW was for backup of data. I mean 2-5 DVD RW disc should be more then enough for complete HD backup while reformating the HD.

So what is the main difference between DVD+RW and -RW?

Recording movies on DVD sounds fun.. but I don't really watch too much movies (reading WebmasterWorld ends up taking all the time I have ;) )