What DVD Writer?

[loverboy]

Hi, I'm a 55 year old novice at computers so some advice would be appreciated.
I'm thinking of adding a Dvd writer (probably dual layer) to my computer and it seems there are virtually hundreds to choose from.
Is there any particular thing I should be looking for when choosing or is it just what ever takes your fancy? Is there anything I should look out for for compatability with my PC?
Also whilst looking at a review of one DVD writer the chap said he had probs burning to DVD until he changed his PSU to one with 450 watts.His old one was 300 Watts. Is there any way of knowing what watts is required for the PCU for any particular DVD writer ?
Finally does anyone know how I can find out the wattage of my PCU without taking the tower to pieces?
Thanks in advance for any help.

[vehelpfulguy]

PC Pro does DVD drive reviews. You can see some here (from July):

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/87360/lg-gsah10 n.html

There are certain makes that always seem to win these reviews so I would go for one of them, such as NEC, Plextor, Lite-On and LG.

Have a look in W H Smiths (or your library) at the latest PC mags and see if one of them is doing an up to date review.

One thing that may sway you is the software that come with it.

Some offer no software (just the DVD drive) while others may offer Nero, PowerDVD or other software.

If you have not got any DVD burning software you will need it, and if the drive does not come with any you will need to buy it.

So if it comes with the DVD drive it will save you money.

On the subject of PSU, I would doubt that adding a DVD Drive would bother your PSU. Just buy the drive and put it in and I am sure it will work (he says hopefully).

One extra thing, if you have a DVD PLAYER at home, for your TV, make sure that the DVD drive you buy can create DVDs that your DVD player can play (DVD-R or DBD+R)

[loverboy]

Thankyou vehelpfulguy & ZebUK for your answers and giving me something to look into.
vehelpfulguy I have Nero 6 which I use for burning cds, is this software ok for dual layer dvd burning ?

[loverboy]

Cheers for that ZebUK and thanks for the tips.