Iomega Super DVD 4X Writer All-Format ( 32680 )

Rating:
Summary: Super DVD compatibility problems
Review: The Super DVD burner has excellent build quality. A quite and smooth CD and DVD player. That said, do not buy or install until you have checked with iomega to see if CDW/RW DVD drive in your computer will not conflict with the iomega's burn programs. If their is a conflict and you attempt to install, you will not only discover that the burner will not work but you will spend hours patching the Windows XP burner program and reinstalling your present burner program. The DVDIT! and Hot Burn programs are loaded conflicts. Some vidio editing programs you may own (or plan to buy) will just not work. Iomega's support is fast but take their advice with caution. Some conflicts are "fatal" and you may end up with a burner that will sit on the shelf until you buy a new computer. A card that is packed with the burner states: "STOP! DO NOT return this product to the store! If you hit a snag, we can help you." If you are not 'up and running' and their techinical staff has not solved the snag in 48 hours, DO RETURN the product to the store. Five stars for build quality, three stars for technical help, one star for compatability of their burning programs.

Rating:
Summary: worst product I've ever purchased
Review: This is a very useful product - if you like making $3 coasters. I was in need of an external DVD writer, and purchased this product in part based on Iomega's experience and reputation in the portable device space. I am a network engineer by trade, so needless to say I am somewhat resourceful in troubleshooting P.C. hardware and O/S issues. I have try have tried to create NTSC DVDs from projects created using the Sonic MyDVD software that is bundled with the device, as well as Intervideo WinDVD Creator, using several different PCs running both Windows 2000 and XP (fully patched). So far I have been able to create exactly ONE usable DVD in approximately 15 attempts. The problem is roughly the same each time - the software locks at the end of the burn phase. And, in typical device-with-bundled-software fashion, neither Iomega or Sonic's online tech support offers advice or even recognition of an issue. If you still want to roll the dice with this thing, my advice would be to purchase from somewhere where you have had good experience with the return policy.

Rating:
Summary: A BIG disappointment.
Review: This is a very useful product - if you like making $3 coasters. I was in need of an external DVD writer, and purchased this product in part based on Iomega's experience and reputation in the portable device space. I am a network engineer by trade, so needless to say I am somewhat resourceful in troubleshooting P.C. hardware and O/S issues. I have try have tried to create NTSC DVDs from projects created using the Sonic MyDVD software that is bundled with the device, as well as Intervideo WinDVD Creator, using several different PCs running both Windows 2000 and XP (fully patched). So far I have been able to create exactly ONE usable DVD in approximately 15 attempts. The problem is roughly the same each time - the software locks at the end of the burn phase. And, in typical device-with-bundled-software fashion, neither Iomega or Sonic's online tech support offers advice or even recognition of an issue. If you still want to roll the dice with this thing, my advice would be to purchase from somewhere where you have had good experience with the return policy.

Rating:
Summary: Addendum
Review: This is my second review. My OS is Win98 SE. After finally getting my computer working(see my initial review). Also the Iomega installation s.ware alters autoexec and config files. I now find out that the Sonic CinePlayer software will NOT recognize the Iomega as an external drive. It only sees the internal cdrom d:\ drive. The software insists on using the cdrom drive and upon CinePlayer startup crashes because of DMA access on D:\ drive. It will NOT allow you to change/select the Iomega external drive to use. The Iomega tech support is not good and the Sonic is worse!
Iomega does not support the Sonic software. Sonic cannot find the problem to date.

Rating:
Summary: worst product I've ever purchased
Review: Where to begin? It gave my Dell the Blue Screen of Death, locked up my computer, evaporated my active desktop. After trying to work with Iomega for 4 months, they sent me a replacement. No more Blue Screen, but no DVDs, either, just a huge pile of coasters. When the bundled MyDVD burning software tries to burn, it spits out the DVD and I get a "device error" error message. And yes, we downloaded the firmware update. Warning! Before you purchase, go go www.iomega.com and read the user forum for this product. The near unanimous verdict: completely nonfunctional product. I trusted Iomega, but don't make that mistake yourself.