[d!abolic]

What specific features do i need to look for when choosing a DVD drive? Also, which are the most popular choices these days?

 

[kal]

Most important for me was something that is QUIET.


I picked up an ASUS x8 DVD-ROM as they are dead-silent when running.


You don't really need speed if the DVD drive's only going to be used for watching movies, and all drives these days are fast enough anyway.


Kal

 

[dcheesi]

AFAICT, any drive from a reliable menufacturer will do. Some people have specific requirements like style/color or region-free capability, which tend to narrow the field a bit.


For quiet operation, there are several factors involved. Low-speed is better than high-speed; tray is quieter than slot; etc. Look around in other threads for information on specific drives you might be considering (use the search function).


Older Toshiba drives are good if you can find them; I have an old MD 1202, and it's pretty quiet for movies. Apparently there's a new drive that has a 1x (quiet) mode for DVDs; I forget the name though.