the drive will need to be able to read well enough, to be able to install some apps from cds/dvds.
but mainly, writing. It’ll be burning off alot of DVD-R/+R and DL +Rs, I use verbatim brand only right now.
what drive would better suit my needs?
Samsung 203b/n or pioneer 215
zebadee
#2
Hi 
The Samsung is a great drive. Fast (when using max setting for 16x media or COdeKings patched f/w @ lower speeds).
Excellent reader (can scan with CD/DVDSpee reg fix or just use DVDInfoPro)
Excellent with CDR’s.
However the Pioneer DVR-215(D) will give almost as fast (sometimes faster ) burn speeds, with better quality on DVD’s. Both SL & DL.
Not quite as good with CDR’s though.
No scanning.
So looking at your post it has to be the 215(D). 
thanks for the reply.
You put (D) in brackets, I guess theres no real difference between 215 and 215D?
zebadee
#4
Hi
Not really.
The 215 will read/write RAM.
215D reads RAM only. (If you look hard you’ll see it is possible to ‘crossflash’).
This voids warranty & if not requiring the RAM write feature isn’t that important.