How to Choose Between CD-ROM and DVD-ROM Drives

Should you buy a DVD-ROM drive or is a plain CD-ROM drive enough? Since you can play CDs on a DVD player, you might as well spring for the DVD if the price is similar.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• CD-ROM Drives
• DVD Players
• DVD-ROM Drive

1. Choose a CD-ROM drive if price is an important consideration.

2. Buy a CD-ROM drive if you plan to upgrade your computer in the future.

3. Choose a DVD-ROM drive to watch movies on your computer monitor or on a television connected to your computer.

4. Purchase a DVD player if you believe DVD-ROM software will replace CD-ROM software - and if you can afford an extra $15 to $40.

5. Consider a DVD-ROM drive if you expect to use large databases that might become available on DVD-ROM.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to record data onto CDs, you'll need a CD-R or CD-RW drive.

on 11/22/2005 It is quickly becoming standard for new computers to ship with DVD-ROM drives. If you're unsure of the extra price, you'll only need to wait a short time before the prices will likely fall.