Diddo on TDK being a quality product. All of the CD-R drive in my house are TDK's they are outstanding drives that take alot of abuse. They may not be the fastest on the planet but they are built like a volvo!
In terms of spending 199.00 for a betamax player. Check out NECs new DVR-1300A its a Dual Format (+-4x) DVD burner that isn't as fast as the DRU-510A from Sony, But its been getting outstanding reviews, and for $98.00-110.00 i don't see this as a bad choice, since you can still burn normal CD-Rs at 24X!
And to further indorse the NEC, I recently picked up a pair for home backups and love em to death
