New CD-RW needed PLUS Office XP is HOT!!

Hi, my CD-RW just burnt-out taking my office XP CD with it - big melted spot on CD, and all of the circuitry arounf the laser is gone! Out of waranty, so I am up for a new CD-RW.

Question One. Do you think MS will replace my Office CD without forking out for a entire new license (I have already paid for it, and just want a replacement CD) Also, how do I cantact them? They are not in the Ph Book, and the website only has a AKLD # (toll call).

Question Two. Can anyone recommend a good CD-RW to replace my old one. I don't want to spend more than $250. Even better - which brands should I stay away from, and I will choose amongst the rest. So far, I have found a decent priced "Diamond Data" one - does anyone know what these are like??

Cheers

G P

OK, I have got it down to the following list - comments for and against please. (Speeds are in the format write x re-write x read)

Diamond Data 32x10x40 $157.50
Diamond Data 40x12x48 $185.00
Sony 32x10x40 $189.00
Asus 32x10x40 $220.00
Asus 40x12x48 $250.00
Richo 32x10x40 $195.00
AOpen 24x10x40 $225.00
LG 24x10x40 $158.00
LG 32x10x40 $174.00
LG 40x12x48 $224.00
Cyberdrive 32x12x48 $157.00
Cyberdrive 36x12x48 $197.00

Comments greatly appreciated

I hear good things about AOpen

Recently bought the AOPEN "JustLink" 24x10x40 on "special" +Nero 5.5, and it works well with no problems.
Cheers

PS.. only $167.63

Graham, do you have insurance? Given that it was an "electrical accident" your XP CD replacement might be covered.

Probably not the drive (but maybe... if you had the common "fusion cover?)

*cough cough* .... Rip off prices for your CD writers you have posted!! Sad, but true...

Check out http://www.pricespy.co.nz

God... Over $225 for the Aopen when you can get it for $155 INCLUDING GST... Shipping would be minimal as well!

Also take a look at trademe... there are a quite a few writers going for a lot less...

Lo.

> Sony 32x10x40 $189.00

Same as the one I've got - works very well, and fast enough (how many CD-R disks are much faster anyway?) I'm very happy with it and would recommend it.

Also try writing to MS in Auckland re your munched disk. But the comment about insurance is a good one - would cover both the Office CD and the CD RW.

Mike.

And since there is now a new NZ standard for low cost fire sprinkler installations, perhaps you should try for a drive with a sprinkler head inside it. ]

Aopen is great. http://www.pcgamer.co.nz
$160.00 with Nero 40-12-48
Bye