You might save a few bucks by checking out dealnews.com - frequently have listed specials on this drive, bit closer to $150 if I recall. Also, FWIW, understand this drive mechanism has been packaged in several other brands of drives, if that helps save a few $.

For compatibility, might check out the multi-drives - several brands avail... Might also be some price drops in the near future as faster drives are starting to appear.

The A05 is replaced by the new A06. I purchased the A06 a few weeks ago and so far it works very well. I've burned CDs, but haven't burned a DVD yet. Installation was very easy.

I bought an 05 in the form of a "Cendyne" a few months back, and have burned close to 100 4x DVD-R blanks to date. All have been perfect, even when I was doing a continuous marathon burn a few weeks back. The drive never overheated, which is more than I can say for my 48x CD burner I was using at the same time (the data rates for both are roughly similar).

I paid $150 for the drive, after rebates. One of my better deals!

I too have the DVR-105, and can say nothing but good about it. I would check out the DVR-106 now though, it's suppoed to burn both formats -R and +R. I have not heard any good or bad about it though.