Thinking about buying the above writer, good idea??

any comments would be appreciated

Moving this to consumer's opinion.

Also it is my understanding that the above drive is simply a rabadged Ricoh MP5125.

I suggest the Pioneer A04/104 or the new sony:

http://www.cdrom-guide.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=178657

The new Sony ain't out yet though. Still if you are prepared to wait around 2 months.

£300 for the sony take a look out in October-November 02
will blow away the rest
http://www.av-land.co.uk/sony/dru500/index.htm