External CD Burner?

[maddhatir]

Hoping someone can give me some advice

I am not the "sharpest tool in the shed" when it comes to some computer problems. So please be patient

I download my music from my iTunes store onto my laptop. I like to then burn the music to CDs so I can listen to them in my car, however, it seems like when I go to play the CDs, they skip etc etc. (this happens in both my car and DH's car) I thought it might be the CDs I was using to burn them on, however, someone told me it could be my burner.

I was looking up external burners- any advice? Just looking for something simple.

Thanks peeps!

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

before spending some money on an external burner, I would "test" the CD's you currently have.

First check for scratches and dirt on the cds, that is the most common problem with 'skipping" then try the CD in another player other that both of your cars. you can wipe them clean(not in a circular motion!) buyt straight out from the center using a non-abrasive cloth. Watch this for more info:

http://www.ehow.com/video_2499_clean-cds.html

your cars cd player is subject to much more dust exposure and they both could simply be dirty.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4510135_clean-car-cd-player.html

good luck

 

[maddhatir]

I always use a brand new CD everytime I burn something. Never fails, every one gives me the same problem.

I will try some of them in my actual (radio) CD player.

Thanks.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Also, when you burn cd's, do you allow the software to check for bad sections before burning?

if it finds a flaw on the surface of the cd, it will skip that area when burning your data to the CD.

(even the best cd/dvd's can have flaws!)

 

[maddhatir]

No- I did not know I can do that

 

[BunsenH]

Also, your laptop shouldn't be doing any other tasks while burning a CD. Close other programs and let it 'concentrate' on burning. You could try temporarily disabling your anti-virus program.

 

[maddhatir]

Thanks for the tips!!!

I will cross my fingers and give them a try! (I will keep my $10 Staples coupon waiting in the wings just in case)

 

[maddhatir]

Also, your laptop shouldn't be doing any other tasks while burning a CD. Close other programs and let it 'concentrate' on burning. You could try temporarily disabling your anti-virus program.

I tried burning a CD with all the programs closed- and no problems playing it back in the car

My ears thank you for the tip!!!!

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

good for you! ya saved some bucks!

most of the ones I burn are data cd/DVD not music, and it can sometimes be tricky.

I even had a spindle of defective ones. what a pain in the...burner!

hehehehehhehe