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Thread ID: 62042 2005-09-25 05:21:00 Cheap Thrills Edward (31) Press F1
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390755 2005-09-25 05:21:00 Haiz. It's the holidays, and I'm bored. To relieve the bordom, I'm wanting to watch DVDs without getting up to go to the TV. So naturally I'm thinking of buying a DVD-ROM Drive. I have one in mind, but need opinions about it

www.globalpc.co.nz

It's cheap and does CD Writing as well, but are there any pitfalls I should be aware of? Does it come with software? How good is BTC as a manufacturer? Anybody has experience with GlobalPC before?

ED:T A mildly important question, how will DVD viewing run on a P3 667mhz, 256mb RAM, Intel Express graphics macnine runnin Win 2000?

All input welcomed

thanks, Edward
Edward (31)
390756 2005-09-25 05:57:00 It'll be viewable, but dont use the latest PowerDVD, each time they make a new release it asks for more CPU Usage

While I dont like it, try one of the freebies that come on some DVD Drives. It plays with lesser CPU's.

Either that or use VideoLAN Client (VLC), http://www.videolan.org
Chilling_Silence (9)
390757 2005-09-25 06:20:00 For $40-50 dollars more would get you are dvd burner, and yes I do realise you are a student, ask the parents and tell them all the bebefits of one :D
videolan(vlc) is a very good player and multiplatform as well and free
plod (107)
390758 2005-09-25 06:34:00 Plod: I'll be getting a DVD burner with the laptop at the end of the year, so no point in spending extra now :D


Either that or use VideoLAN Client (VLC), http://www.videolan.org

That's what I was thinking of using initially, because then I can watch them from the other computer as well (when combined with RealVNC). But yes, the latest version of PowerDVD does look like more than I need, and it costs, so was never going to get it
Edward (31)
390759 2005-09-25 08:43:00 You dont even need RealVNC. The idea being you can use VLC to stream movies. It works a lot faster/better than trying to watch something via VNC!!

PowerDVD probably wouldnt give you perfect quality frame-rates on that CPU anyways , even if it does come free with your burner. They're quite cheap compared to what you were looking at. I know here in Auckland some suppliers get rid of burners for less than $10 more when clearing out old stock :) Check Pricespy.co.nz for a Christchurch supplier that has burners going at an affordable price
Chilling_Silence (9)
390760 2005-09-25 09:41:00 Actually the reason I mentioned RealVNC was to use that to press the play button on VLC instead of running up and down stairs ;) Edward (31)
390761 2005-09-25 10:02:00 My experience with BTC drives hasn't been too pleasant. Had issues with their CD burners several times - one died because it was dropped by the courier!!! And the other just suddenly stopped reading/writing one day.

I would suggest you try another brand.

Eg:
ascent.co.nz
ascent.co.nz

Prices include GST and freight.
somebody (208)
390762 2005-09-25 10:07:00 The thing is I know have $60 to spend, which is why I went for the BTC one instead of a more expensive one. Cash only too, so has to be in Christchurch. I'll regret it later on in life, but ho hum ;) Edward (31)
390763 2005-09-25 10:41:00 Haiz. It's the holidays, and I'm bored. To relieve the bordom............
All input welcomed
thanks, Edward
Why not try something really radical to relieve you bordom....such as....

Get a job (and probably a haircut as well)
or
*Clean up after yourself
or
Get a job (and probably a haircut as well)
or
*Offer to help mum around the house... you know, boring stuff like hanging out washing, dishes, cleaning windows etc etc
or
Get a job (and probably a haircut as well)
or
*Offer to help dad.... you know, boring stuff like lawns, washing the car, weeding the gardens etc etc
or
Get a job (and probably a haircut as well)
or
*Study...especially spelling...
or
Get a job (and probably a haircut as well)

:D
bartsdadhomer (80)
390764 2005-09-25 23:34:00 Haiz. It's the holidays, and I'm bored. To relieve the bordom, I'm wanting to watch DVDs without getting up to go to the TV. So naturally I'm thinking of buying a DVD-ROM Drive. I have one in mind, but need opinions about it

www.globalpc.co.nz

It's cheap and does CD Writing as well, but are there any pitfalls I should be aware of? Does it come with software? How good is BTC as a manufacturer? Anybody has experience with GlobalPC before?

ED:T A mildly important question, how will DVD viewing run on a P3 667mhz, 256mb RAM, Intel Express graphics macnine runnin Win 2000?

All input welcomed

thanks, Edward


At the risk of sounding like the argument Holden vs Ford.

I would never recommend a BTC optical device, ther failure rate is absolutely horrid and thats why there are often sales on refurbished units (repaired units comming back). Years ago they were terrible, and last year our company tried them again 11/20 DVD writers units returned, never again.

Buy nearly anything else BUT BTC, pay that extra $10 and buy and LG, Pioneer, MSI anything. I am sure there are people (50%) that have a BTC and never had a problem lol. It is truely the brand that stands out as the cheap dog IMO.
Battleneter (60)
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