Need Recommendation For New CD/DVD Burner

[74-StreetMachine]

My CD/DVD burner crapped out on me. I have spent several hours searching for a new one, comparing different models and brands, and reading user reviews, I am more confused than ever!!

I am looking for something in the $25 to $40 range. I don't need all the bells and whistles and don't need blue ray.
I was looking at Lite-On but several reviews said they were VERY noisy and customer service was non-existent.
So I'm open to suggestions. I am using Windows XP 2002 Professional.

I also noticed that some burners come with software, most have trial software and some have no software. Most of them had a trial version of NERO that was only good for 30 days. Then you had to upgrade it for around $60.00. But several people had trouble installing it. What other software is available besides NERO ?
I found this site reviewing software,   http://cd-burning-software-review.toptenreviews.com/ 
This one looked good to me, Easy Media Creator 10 , does anyone have any opinions on it ?

Thanks, Randy

[pettyfan43]

Hey Randy go to Newegg.com and check out their burners/players, they have great info along with allowing customers to rate their experience with them AND the product, I know a guy that buys ALL his hardware from them and has NOTHING but good to say about them.

[Manfred318]

Yea I was going to say Newegg.com as well. I buy all of my computer crap from them and have had nothing but good service. They also usually ship pretty quick and you will usually get your stuff in about 3 days.

As for burners the last one I bought was a Sony. I cant remember the exact model but it was the predecessor to this one----> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827131058 and it came with Nero, extra face plate and a set of mounting screws.  Ive had great service out of it and it will burn to any brand of CD/DVD media. Unlike my Optiarc burner which will only read and burn certain brands of blank CDs/DVDs.

I bought one of these---> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129023 for a friends PC about two years ago and it hasn't given him any problems as of yet. It seems to be pretty quiet and for $25 and free shipping you cant really go wrong there.