Complaint Review: TDK

First off, DO NOT BUY the TDK Indi DVD-RW model TDK 440N which also carries the numbers of XXX-0404N. The problem is that they have no software to support it, even with a firmware upgrade.

It comes with token software, but it will NOT burn a DVD. I made the mistake of assuming that the software supplied was just a demo version, so I bought the paid version before looking up the compatable DVD burners and this 0404N model is not supported. I have yet to find software that does work with this model, so I have a DVD burner that will only do CD's.

And trying multiple "trial versions" to find software ended up causing windows to crash big time, thus I had to format C: and re-install "everything" losing a week of time getting it back to where I had it. I bought the d**n thing to back-up my computer to prevent this from happening! (And no, the software didn't suddenly accept the drive to burn DVD's after the fresh installation.)

Secondly, The rebate. I admit I screwed up and did not send the serial number with the UPC sticker, so I did not get my rebate. But they only give you 20 days to respond with a correction. The problem is that I sent this in on 11/21/03, and got the letter dated 1/13/04 on 1/20/04 (7 days lost).... but do you think I am going to hold on to the box for 2 months while waiting for a rebate?

So the rebate was my fault, but is just a warning of what can happen if you miss the serial number sticker from the box. But there is no excuse for creating a DVD burner that cannot be used with the software you provide, or that you have to go buy special software to make it work.

Ray
Chino Valley, Arizona
U.S.A.