OEM vs. Retail box

mrjimmy · Jul 28th, 2004, 02:31 PM

I'm about to trundle off to CanadaComputers to pick up a Pioneer A107. What is the diff between OEM and Retail box (besides $20.00)?

Thanks

Macaholic · Jul 28th, 2004, 02:52 PM

Nothing, really. I got the boxless OEM version at Canadacomputers myself (with the cool black tray & bezel). It woks perfectly.

Now, some EARLY Pioneer A107 drives were not Mac compatible, but I think they've all been sold with updated versions working fine. I bought mine a couple of months ago. Also, the iLife apps will only recognize the drive if you're running Panther.

Strongblade · Jul 28th, 2004, 03:20 PM

How much is it costing at CanadaComputers. I only ask because I ordered one from OWC just scant hours ago.

zer0army · Jul 28th, 2004, 03:26 PM

I think thats about it, A nice box and maybe some extra software which mac users don't need anyway. I am about to buy one of these drives from Canada Computer as well and was under the impression that DVR-A07 and DVR-107D are the exact same drive.
DVR-A07 = retail
DVR-107D = OEM

Can anyone confirm this ?

Macaholic · Jul 28th, 2004, 04:07 PM

Fellas, hit the site and see for yourself:

http://www.canadacomputers.com/cdrom.html

Pioneer 107 8X DVD+/-RW ivory colour OEM version $113.00!

PosterBoy · Jul 28th, 2004, 04:47 PM

DVR-A07 = retail
DVR-107D = OEM

This was the case with the A05/105 drives, so I would assume it is the same here.

One main difference between OEM and retail hardware is the warranty. For example, many retail hard drives have 3 year warranties while their OEM counterparts have 1 year warranties (or 1 year retail, 90 day OEM).

That, and a pretty box, and sometimes cables.

mrjimmy · Jul 28th, 2004, 05:03 PM

Who needs a $20.00 box anyhow...

Here's question #2: A friendly fella at Carbon (A107 = $135.00) said there was a driver to have the A107 recognized by iApps under OS9. Can't seem to find it in xlr8yourmac (where he said it was). I guess that's what you pay the extra $22.00 bucks for. Can anyone help me out with this?

Also, has anyone seen the sets for Cinderella Man down by Carbon? They look great. They had tons of custom period signs made (like the Rexall drugs one). Nice work by the set dressers!

Macaholic · Jul 28th, 2004, 05:25 PM

Dunno 'bout that. There are caveats regarding mac compatible firmware (some of which can be burned to Mac compatibility) when buying CD/DVD burners aftermarket. I checked it out at xlr8yourmac's comprehensive website. Based on the inffo I'm darned sure I read there, this Pioneer drive is Panther and OS 9 compatible. I'm sure I saw it there.

As for Canada Computers, I just dug through my receipts and found the one from my purchase. here's what it said:

Pioneer DVR-107 BLACK 8X DVD+/-R/RW, CD-R/RW Writer (OEM)

$129.00

They're cheaper now, I believe.

Bill Gordon · Jul 28th, 2004, 08:13 PM

Hacked drivers for the A07/107 burner & OS 9 are available for download at xlr8yourmac. You can also use the Patchburn II utility (also available on xlr8yourmac) to create your own drivers as well.

If you use the latest version of Toast 5 for OS 9, the hacked drivers are not necessary; however, the hacked drivers will allow the A07/107 to be recognized by all the iApps.

Macaholic · Jul 28th, 2004, 09:48 PM

The Pioneer DVDRW I got (a 107) needed no firmware hacks under Panther. I don't burn in OS 9, but for giggles I booted into OS 9 and could mount a CD okay. Didn't try burning, though. YMMV, but my experience was glitch-free.