DVD drives are everywhere these days, and computers are no exception. From DVD to Blu-Ray, computers can host a variety of media readers and writers. Since computer games are generally shipped on a DVD disc (or multiple discs), a DVD drive is an essential piece of equipment for gamers of any budget, but, with a wide variety to choose from, which one should you buy?
Reader or Writer?
Even if you're on a super-tight budget, a DVD burner is ridiculously cheap: the lowest price is under $30. So, even if you don't plan on actually burning any media, you should buy a DVD burner anyway as you'll only save about ten bucks (plus you'll have the ability to burn CDs and DVDs in the future, should the need arise).
DVD, HD-DVD, Blu-Ray?
With the new High Definition age upon us, there are a variety of drives out there that support reading HD-DVD and Blu-Ray, and even a few drives that support burning Blu-Ray discs. Should you really invest in one of these technologies or stick with the classic DVD burner?
Right now, the format wars are still raging on, with HD-DVD and Blu-Ray trading blows and vying for top format. The truth is, unless you have a really big budget and have to have the latest toys right now, stick with a plain old DVD burner: the format wars are not over yet, and picking the wrong format could cost you in the long run.
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Recommended DVD Drives
Tight budget
Lite-On DVD Burner - $32.99 - This SATA DVD burner performs as the maximum capability of DVD discs, so there's no reason to get a more expensive drive, unless you wanted Lightscribe technology.
Average Budget
HP Lightscribe DVD Burner - $109.99 - This SATA DVD burner performs as the maximum capability of DVD discs plus it can use the Lightscribe technology to etch images onto the back of discs coated with a special film.
Big Budget
Philips Blu-Ray Writer - $499.99 - This SATA Blu-Ray writer has it all: CD, DVD, and Blu-Ray burning capabilities, plus you can play back your favorite high definition movies.
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