cdr/cdrw

I know almost nothing about CDRs and CDRWs but we're thinking of getting one or the other. What we want to be able to do is copy music CDs so we can have one in the house and one in the truck. I understand that a CDR will write data AND music {non MP3 format} and that a CDRW will only write data and the disks can't be played in a regular CD player. I don't know if I'm correct on that point or if I dreamed it up on my own! Any sugestions/ideas/advise on this issue and also on namebrands and features to look for? Thanks to all in advance!

 

Not sure on CDR, but I've been using CDRW drives for a couple of years now. They are awesome for backups, music files, and copying CD's. I even make custom data CD's for folks who want certain types of freeware programs after I've built their system...

A little advice, though:

You will probably want a drive that is designed with some king of burnproof technology. It may cost a few $ more than a bargain basement unit, but will be well worth it, guaranteed.

If you end up making custom music CD's with your own mix of tracks, you might want to get a drive that supports 700 meg (6 more minutes of music and more than a little extra space for backups, etc.).

The software you choose might be an issue. Most folks have trouble running more than one version of burning ware. I've always used Nero and had no problem at all. Others are around, but I couldn't comment on any of those. You will probably find some version or another bundled with your burner.

You can burn either CDR or CDRW media with a CDRW drive, but not the other way around. The advantage is that you can actually use your CDRW like a giant floppy drive if you like (CDRW media). You will have to burn your audio CD's on CDR media for your other CD players to be able to play them back.

It would be wise, according to many, to buy a reputable (and not private labeled) brand from a reputable source. High on many folks' list are AOPEN, Acer, Yamaha, Plextor, and a few others.

BTW, I just found a great CDRW package at a great price on ebay for a friend:

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1323714469

Not sure on the software package, but have done biz with the seller and had no probs...

Hope this helps, and G'luck

 

for the most part, you are correct. when recording a CD with eithr music or data, the software you use will let you choose whether or not to "close the recording session" when you're done. it is this feature that will decide if even a CDR can be used in your CD player - closing the session allows the disc to be played on your stereo system. CDRW cannot typically be used in a stereo CD player and therefore, not be used for music.

if you don't plan on having to record and re-record data, CDR is the way to go.

 

Magnify...

Ok, the conversation is getting confusing..

CD writer uses only CD-R's can write Data CD's, Music CD's generally within ONLY those limitations... You can start a session with some software, add stuff to it, then continuie at a later time, so long as the CD-R disk is NOT finalised...
Limitations: Cannot and will not see, write to, or recognise a
CD-RW Disk.

CD-RW ReWriter/Writer, can do everything that a CD-R can do, and more. Using a CD-RW disk it can be rewritten to over and over again and again, the same (almost) as a 1.44 diskette.
Just don't scratch the surface please...
You can also (using a CD-RW disk) erase the disk and write more information to it.
However you cannot erase a CD-R disk with a
CD-RW ReWriter/Writer....

As was noted, when you DO go shopping for (term) 'burner'
as was suggested above, look for one that permits overburn protection, in addition to built onboard memory, including software, hopefully. Most of them do provide that. At least in the name brand packages...
When you buy your CD's, Since you are wanting good quality CD's for both the house AND the truck/car/etc. etc. then buy the CD-R in Music grade quality. costs more, major quality improvement over the cheap kind. Also include when you buy them, get the ones that include cd Boxes. That protects them(when you use them) far better than sleeves, or cases for multiples...

Enjoy... adn go for it.

 

Thanks to everyone for the great info! I knew I had asked the right people!