How to Buy an External DVD Drive
DVDs (digital versatile drives) are fast becoming the most preferred storage device. DVD drives are necessary for playing a DVD. You would need to buy an external DVD drive if your computer does not have one already. A vast range of DVD drives are available on the market. You must always focus on the nature of your use while looking for a DVD drive. The most common use of DVD drives is playing DVD videos and audio CDs. Here's how to buy an external DVD drive:
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Instructions
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Determine your use of an external DVD drive. This will help you decide the format of the drive that would suit you. Advanced DVD drives support various formats like DVD+R, DVD-R and a dual DVD format. You can select the format most suited to you.
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Assess your PC configuration before making the decision. The DVD drive you buy must be compatible with your computer.
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Remember a significant feature of a DVD drive is that it is backward-compatible with CD-ROMs. This means that it can play old CD-ROMs, new CD-ROMs, CD-I disks and video CDs.
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Learn more about the features and prices of various external DVD drives by referring to online buyers' guides. Browse through reviews and compare pricing. Some popular buyers' guides are NexTag, Windows Marketplace, MySimon and Epinions (see links below).
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Browse through blogs and tech discussion forums. These are good avenues for gathering more information on features, trends and other insights on an external DVD drive.
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Buy an external DVD drive after comparing prices in different stores online and offline. Search for online vendors using search engines like Google or Yahoo. Browse through popular online stores such as CompUSA, Best Buy and Circuit City (see links below). This will help you to narrow down your search.
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Look for trusted brands and discounts. See if the external DVD drive that you want to buy has a longer warranty period.
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Tips & Warnings
Try eBay for good deals on a used external DVD drive. There is usually no warranty or return on items bought from eBay.
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Comments
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sculptedstylus
Feb 18, 2009
I bought your External USB 2.0 Slim DVD CD R/RW Drives Burner Writer to view DVDs on my Asus 904HA Eee PC netbook, but get an an error message that my "imput can't be opened: VLC is unable to open the MRL 'dvd'://E:\" Is this device supposed to allow me to watch DVDs on my netbook? After the fact (purchase), I notice that it is a "burner writer!" If this is not the right device to view DVDs, it is only my fault for not doing my "homework," but if it's in need of a plug-in or driver, I would really appreciate to know what it is, and how to get it. Thanks!
