[TheGreatButcher]

For my PowerBook:

http://www.mcetech.com/pbg4dvdr8dl.html

Mostly want is to burn faster and for the dual layer burning

I'm afraid though that iDVD and DVD Studio Pro won't support it. Anyone tell me the advantages and disadvantages of this upgrade?

[tungtied07]

Did you read the link you gave us?

From that link:
iApp Compatibility and More...


The MCE 8X Internal SuperDrive Upgrade with Double Layer support is seamlessly compatible with all of Apple's iApps including iTunes, iDVD, and iPhoto. In addition, it is compatible with Finder Burning and DVD Studio Pro, Apple's professional DVD Authoring software.

Pros:
Fast 8x, Dual Layer

Cons:
Difficulty to install: Moderate Level Upgrade, depending on what PB you have

[TheGreatButcher]

Ahh, completely missed the DVD Studio Pro reference. Thanks

[tungtied07]

np sometimes I miss these things too, 2 pairs of eyes is better than 1

If you get that upgrade, let us know how it goes , i'm also interested in it too

[mikills]

I just purchased and self-installed the MCE Superdrive (http://www.mcetech.com/pbg4dvdr8dl.html) to replace my busted Apple Superdrive and it works flawlessly. The Apple drive died on me after only 2 years of use. The MCE drive is fantastic, although it makes some light noise on system start-up. Installation was simple. If you place an order, make sure you specify which model PowerBook you own, as it appears there are different models of drives for each model of PowerBook.

I should also note that the temperature and fan use on the PowerBook appears to be much lower since upgrading the drive.

[amazing]

Here's something you also might want to consider: An external Pioneer 16X DVR108 ($72) in a firewire case ($45 and up) which gives you the flexibility of plugging it into multiple Macs upon demand. Cheaper, faster, dual burning, I've burned many DVDs and just love it.. The Patchburn plugin gives you iApps support. Check out the xlr8yourmac.com website for more info.

Since I've now sold my Ti, I've still got the DVR108 connected to my "interim" Mac and will be able to use it with my next "combo" mac.

[iREZ]

$300+ for DVD burning on the go sounds like a waste of cash to me. Your better off with the external seeing how it's lots cheaper, and how often will you really need to burn a DVD on the go (don't forget how long these things take to burn)?

[bighead]

Originally posted by iREZ:
$300+ for DVD burning on the go sounds like a waste of cash to me. Your better off with the external seeing how it's lots cheaper, and how often will you really need to burn a DVD on the go (don't forget how long these things take to burn)?

The whole idead of getting the 8x drive is to make the burning not take so long. I'd just assume buy the mechanism from an online vendor, rather than a marked up "upgrade" from MCE.

Also, the difference between the "drives" when you select which model PowerBook you own is the difference in mounting brackets they include. (I think)

[iREZ]

Let's see $150 16x external or $300 8x internal (and voiding your Applecare unless you get an Appletech to do the install for another $75-$100), I guess that's your call.

[tiansa]

directed to mikills...

Cool upgrade...
When you check your system profile or use toast to burn discs, what is the identity of the mechanism??? It would be interesting to see if there are third party sources for the DL drive...
Cheers...

[Todd Corzett]

I purchased a MCE 8x SuperDrive Upgrade for PowerBook G4 with Double Layer Support from MCE at the Macworld Expo in San Francisco. The box I was given was missing the software drivers CD.

Could someone email ([email protected]) it to me? It would be a great help, especially since MCE isn't answering phone support calls till after MWSF, and their email is full (everything bounces back).

-Todd...