Bulldrek v3.0

I've been using the Sony DVD RW DW-D22A drive that came with my computer for a few years and its served me faithfully but it's started to malfunction quite badly, wont recognise discs and can take two or three attempts whirring half in and out to eject a disc, so it's time to get a replacement. Which is where I turn to you guys being more technically well versed than I.

So what would be a good replacement drive nowadays with what's on the market? Please bear in mind that in these matters I know pretty much bugger all. I'm currently looking for two alternatives. One is straightforward good quality replacement with similar abilities, the other is upgrading to a dual-layer drive since I do a fair amount of backing up discs and film DVDs. So what do you suggest I have a look at?

Go for the dual-layer drive, especially if you're doing a lot of back-ups. We're using the ASUS model here at the office and I have no complaints.

It's worth noting that dual-layer media is easily three times the cost of regular DVD-Rs, at least here, which means that from a cash-efficiency standpoint you're better off going for a cheap single-layer drive.

I don't know why anyone (who isn't completely and utterly anal-retentive) would buy anything besides Lite-On drives.

I've had Lite-On, had Asus, and done Sony (never again... that CD almost killed me). I have one of the new LGs with LightScribe and am really liking it.

You know what was funny when I installed my HP DVD Burner (Dual Layer, +RW -RW, Lightscribe)? It had the standard sticker on the top, and it said it was a Lite On drive as well. Made me happy.

Also, the best part about Dual Layer is the fact that you don't necessarily have to buy dual layer disks when burning normally. You just need them when you're doing the back-ups or burning ass-loads of stuff to disk.