Buying Dual Layer DVD writer.
Most magazines have rated below models of DVD writer for best buy- feb/march 2006. Buy any one from below; make your decision base on price tag and service center.
LITE-ON SHM-165P6S = SONY DW-G120A
BenQ DW 1670 = SONY DRU-820A
Common general Specifications
16x DVD±R,
8x/6x DVD+RW/DVD-RW.
8x/6x DVD+R DL/DVD-R DL (Double/Dual Layer discs of 8.5 GB)
5x DVD-RAM
(Note: if you are not going to use DVD-RAM media, you can save premium price by buying below model. only difference is, they do not have DVD-RAM media support)
Lite-on SHW-160P6S = SONY DW-Q120A
BenQ DW 1640 = SONY DRU-810A
SONY writers are rebadges
E.g. SONY DW-G120A is designed and manufactured by LiteOn and its hardware is identical to that of LITE-ON SHM-165P6S, but it has a SONY name and logo, and a usually higher SONY price.
SONY DRU-820A is rebage of BENQ DW 1670.
(Note: forget about LightScribe technology, a way of creating gray title/picture on DVD surface. you have to pay hefty price for that model of DVD Writer and its rarely available Media.)