I've been looking to get a DVD burner for quite a bit. I would just like a little feedback from PR members on what's hot and what's not. I'm not really seeing to spend over $100, so I'm looking towards the 4x +- R's and RW's. But, since technology is moving ahead so fast, I was looking at the 8x +-R's. Since there aren't many 8x burners with an 8mb buffer, my question is...
is having the 8mb so much better or important than the 2mb buffer?
Also, if anyone knows about better upcoming dvd speeds, please post it too. Maybe prices will once again lower.

Preferably looking at: DVD 8x +R and -R, with +-RW. At least 12x dvd-read, 40x cd-read, with high density burn.

here's what a PR member recommended about 2 to 3 months ago:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...100-032&depa=0

and here's a newegg blowout deal:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...152-012&depa=0

So far the best deal i have found is the Liteon dvd+/-rw liek the LDW-811s. This can be had at newegg for around 80.00.

Here is a good site ERAD to learn more;LINK
These players are going WAYYYYY down in price as of late, I bought my Sony DRU-14a oem for 140 and its only 4X but Ive yet to make a coaster , as long as Im using the right software and click all the right buttons that is.
Prbobably in May though the new format DVD's will come out, that being dual layer which means yu can put most movies with no compression on 1 disc.
As well the new recorders that will have dual layer capability will be coming out any second or as I am writing this thread....

Just saw the rest of your post, you can really never go wrong with LITE-ON , however there have been know issues with some earlier models and I do not know if that still applies, I bought my Sony only because after reading up I found that alot of people said that it likes most of the blank DVD's out there.
1 more thing dont go cheap on blank DVD's , stick to known brands like Memorex or TDK o you know the rest, preferably not 10,000,000,000 for 59.99 from Comp USA

Get the ND-2500A. It's excellent quality, very reliable, supports a very wide variety of media. Plus, custom firmware is easily available, which adds support for even more media types and, as an added bonus, removes region check. All this for just $85. One of the best deals around IMO.

I got the TDK 440N for about $150, burns anything.

Personally, I love my Sony DRU-510A. But, if I were in your shoes at the moment I'd be seriously considering not worring so much about the speed and more about whether the drive supports or will support dual layer DVDs.