#NEC CDRs
6 messages in this thread
Please can someone tell me which of the NEC CD Roms to buy? I know that
Tiger has a very good deal for the CDR72, but I've just called them and
it's sold out. The man recommended the CDR73. Is it any good?
Then I found out that Computer Express I think is selling the CDR83 for
$699, $200 less than the CDR73 from TIGER. What's the difference? I mean
between the 73 and 83, how many different models are there anyway? I know
the 73 from TIGER comes with some 8 CDs, but the 83 from CE does not(I
think). But software is not so important. I just want to know the
difference in reliability and speed really.
Thanx. Will really appreciate it if anyone could give me a reply as soon as
possible.
Roger
I can't tell you much about the different drives except I have heard that
the CDR-83m is fast fast fast! The 'm' series drives have been designed
with multimedia applications in mind. I just got an NEC CDR-80 from DAK
for the low price of $230. It is apparently a discontinued model but for
the price was a steal and is compatible with my Amiga's CDROM-FS so that is
why I chose it. Only a 500ms seek on it but being SCSI has a fast enuf
transfer rate. I'll have to leave it to someone else to talk about the
other models.
The 73 is an external drive and the 83 is an internal, which explains the
price difference. Neither of the drives is MPC compliant unless it has "M"
after the number (ie: 73M, 83M). So if you buy one, you better be happy
with the CD's that come with it, since the new MPC discs coming out will
not work right with it.
My company, PsL, sells the 83M for $699 and the 73M for $785, but that is
without any CD's bundled.
We also sell the Media Vision Multimedia Upgrade Kit for $720 (by credit
card; check/m.o. price is $694). So for less than the bare NEC drive, you
get the Sony 541 CD-ROM drive, the Pro Audio Spectrum stereo sound card,
and 3 CD's: Compton's Multimedia Encyclopedia (which lists for $800), Jones
in the Fast Lane, and Windows with MM Extensions.
For the price, the Media Vision kit makes a lot more sense to me.
I purchased the NEC Gallery from Computer City for $799. It includes
the CD73 (external drive), 8 CD's, SCSI interface card, 2 Koss
external speakers. Had a slight problem figuring out what software
to install (SCSI and CDMenu package was both included). NEC technical
support told me to not install the SCSI. I am very satisfied with NEC
package.
I'm glad you are satisfied with it. What are you using for a stereo sound
card and how much did it cost? How do MPC titles, like KQV, run on this
system?
Nelson,
Didn't see the NEC 73M's in the catalog you just sent me (last month). Is
this a recent addition? I have a few questions I hope you won't mind
answering:
1) Do you think NEC will eventually get around to bundling some CDROM disks
with the 73m? Does it come with Windows and MM Extentions, etc.?
2) I notice you recommend the Media Vision Multimedia Upgrade Kit over the
NEC 73m – probably because the upgrade kit is better value for the money?
But how about the performance of the Sony 541 against the NEC 73M? The NEC
has much better operating specs, no? Is the Sony adequate for some of the
more intense software (like the Mammals disk)?
3) Is the Sony 541 MPC compliant?
4) Is the Sound Blaster MPC compliant, or do you have to get the SB Pro (or
a board like the Pro Audio Spectrum)?
5) And lastly, if one buys a CDROM player from you, can we buy additional
CDROM disks at a later date at the bundled price (I'm talking about new
releases, etc.).
Thanks a lot for the info – I'm in the market for an external SCSI player
that will be able to keep up.
Thanks for the info.