Benq 1610 or NEC 3500, which is better?

[wollmann]

they are the same price and burns x16 for both + and -.

but which burns better? I heard good things about NEC burners and never searched for Benq burners.

appriciate your time.

Wollmann

[DMagic1]

The 1610 isn't a dual layer burner so I would say the Nec3500. The Benq 1620 is a dual layer burner and is a better choice over the 1610. Is the 1620 better than the 3500? Its hard to say. Both have had very good reviews. The Benq has one down side. It does not burn DVD-R very well. Its beyond excellent with DVD+R quality wise. Hopefully future firmware updates will get the Benq dvd-r on the right track. I haven't followed the NEC as closely, so I can't go into detail about any negative things about the drive.

[markrb]

Anandtech is about to release a very complete DVD burner comparison.
They did release a review of the new Benq burner that is DL. They were very impressed with it and for price/performance they said so far it's the best deal, but they haven't finished all their testing yet. I bought the NEC in black from Newegg for $82 shipped and so far I am very pleased.

They did say that the previous versions of Benq drives were less then great. Previous meaning anything before the 1620 DL drive, but the 1620 is worlds better then previous drives.

Mark

[DMagic1]

I'm suprised to hear that. My Benq 800 was the best dvd burner I had before getting the 1600. I own a Sony DRU500, a LiteOn 812, a NEC 2500, a Benq 800, and a Benq 1600. I had a Plextor 708 and a LiteOn 811(sold them). I mostly burn DVD+R now after starting out exclusively with DVD-R. Thats where Benq has always shined.