I need a DVD drive

[daddysbike]

I love my new Zumo but my computer is a few years old and the software came on DVD and I don't have a DVD drive!

I'd like to keep it simple and cheap so I was thinking an external USB so I can do some custom routes. Under $100 would be great, $50 even better but I want it to work. Any suggestions?

I think my computer is a Dell 2.5GHz, 512mb Ram, 30GB hardrive with Windows XP

Thanks,

Steve

 

[radman]

DVD drives are super cheap now, even externals. I get 90% of my comp stuff at Newegg-best in the biz. Link to DVD's from them.

 

[vectervp1]

DVD drives are super cheap now, even externals. I get 90% of my comp stuff at Newegg-best in the biz. Link to DVD's from them.

+1

Newegg is a great place to order PC parts from.

 

[FJRocket]

Toshiba USB DVD

I bought one of these multi media DVD/CD rewrite thingies. It is VERY compact. Reads on 1 USB, need 2 USBs to burn. I run it off my tablet. Nice, no external power source required (other than two provided USB cables). Works quite well.

I bought mine from Brainydeals.com for about $70 on an eBay auction.

 

[keithaba]

Cool, where do you plan on installing the dvd on your FJR?

 

[TexasFJR]

tigerdirect HP usb DVD $79

 

[FJRJeff]

I love my new Zumo but my computer is a few years old and the software came on DVD and I don't have a DVD drive!I'd like to keep it simple and cheap so I was thinking an external USB so I can do some custom routes. Under $100 would be great, $50 even better but I want it to work. Any suggestions?

I think my computer is a Dell 2.5GHz, 512mb Ram, 30GB hardrive with Windows XP

Thanks,

Steve

Tigerdirect.com is another good place to get stuff from.

Depending upon the age of your system, external drives may cause some headaches for you. I added an external HP Lightscribe drive with a USB 2.0 card in the machine, and the drive ended up being a PITA. Bought the same type of drive (LG brand) and replaced my internal CD drive with it (very easy) and it's been flawless. The drive is a Lightscribe DVD reader/writer, which will burn an image on top of the disc, and then you flip the disc and burn the data on the other side. I think the drive was $70 at Best Buy...

 

[FJRocket]

Cool, where do you plan on installing the dvd on your FJR?

Actually my DVD drive IS for my FJR. It fits in my Yamaha tankbag with my Fujitsu p1610 tablet. Normally I'm not going to worry about carrying a DVD drive. But in April I'm doing a rally, and instead of carrying a Polaroid, I'm using my Canon SD900, the Fuji and the DVD burner to turn in the rally pics. It's sort of a trial run to see if it is going to work. Dry runs it works great. I can actually write directly onto the pics and then burn them to the CD or DVD.

I also have MicroSoft Streets and Trips, and a Holux USB GPS with SirfIII chip. Man, that thing tracks like you won't belive. Too bad the S&T software is, uh... weak. Very functional, though.

Goin' MOBILE!

PS: I'll try and resist the temptation to watch Caddy Shack while tooling down the slab on my AE! :eh-smiley: :blink:

 

[TheAxeman]

I love my new Zumo but my computer is a few years old and the software came on DVD and I don't have a DVD drive!I'd like to keep it simple and cheap so I was thinking an external USB so I can do some custom routes. Under $100 would be great, $50 even better but I want it to work. Any suggestions?

I think my computer is a Dell 2.5GHz, 512mb Ram, 30GB hardrive with Windows XP

Thanks,

Steve

Now Steve, I must say that was a very timely post because I am in the same boat as you. I got lots of computers (made by either Etch-A-Sketch or Fisher Price) but none with a DVD drive. So, knowing more about driving than about drives I took TexasFJR's advice and just ordered one from Tigerdirect. Anybody know if this is the same company as TigerGPS because if so I was very happy with their prompt service after ordering something recently.

 

[FJRandy]

I got lots of computers (made by either Etch-A-Sketch or Fisher Price) but none with a DVD drive.

Holy **** that's funny! :lol: :lol:

 

[HIGHLANDER]

[. But in April I'm doing a rally, and instead of carrying a Polaroid, I'm using my Canon SD900, the Fuji and the DVD burner to turn in the rally pics. watch Caddy Shack while tooling down the slab on my AE!

Just a heads up.......

Is this an IBA sactioned rally? I thought Digital cameras were banned at IBA events and only Polaroids were used, 'cause you can photochop digital pics ??

 

[FJRocket]

[. But in April I'm doing a rally, and instead of carrying a Polaroid, I'm using my Canon SD900, the Fuji and the DVD burner to turn in the rally pics. watch Caddy Shack while tooling down the slab on my AE!

Just a heads up.......

Is this an IBA sactioned rally? I thought Digital cameras were banned at IBA events and only Polaroids were used, 'cause you can photochop digital pics ??

I don't think it is an IBA rally. And I have been warned that my digital photos may be disavowed. But the official rules state that digitals can be used, and have to be submitted on floppy or CD. We'll see how it goes. I may post my rally photos/experience here when I get finished at the end of April.

I wonder if the IBA will eventually come to the digital age? Although I do understand the "photoshop" issue. I really don't care if I come in dead last, anyway. I'm just doing it for fun and experience. (and I DO have a polaroid for a "backup"). But I suppose if you were on an 11 day rally, you might have plenty of time to doctor jpegs on your own, or even email them using cell or wifi and have someone else do them for you. The Cape Fear rally is only 24 hours and I seriously doubt there'd be time to really "cheat". And it would be hard to believe someone would want to in these kind of events. I guess there are all kinds out there.

The DVD/R unit I have is almost the same size as the jewel case for the CDs. Maybe as thick as 2 or 3 of them, not much more. Almost pocket sized. Quiet and burns pretty quickly. I was happily surprised.

My second choice would have been to get the DVD burner that is mentioned above that actually labels the disc for you. That's just TOO COOL!!!!!!! (now we're back on track)