Hi, I am contemplating whether to buy a dvd burner right now. I know that currently you can get a burner 8x for about 80ish dollars. However, I know that 12x/16x is on the horizon and dual layer also is on the horizon. I am curious that whether it is time to buy an 8x or should I wait a bit to get 12/16x or possible dual layer. I know for technologies waiting always get better deal but I am just curious if I buy 8x, how long would that last. IE, how long would 12/16x be at the price range of the 8x right now?

If you can afford to spend more and if you want all the features of upcoming drives, then wait. If money will be an issue or if you want it now, get it now. You hit the nail on the head: there will always be better technology coming out soon. The current technology will be good for some time. Many +R and -R drives have been sold and companies will make money on the media for years to come. I have had a 4x dual format for over a year and I still think it is very fast (compared to the cdrw I was used to). My drive can copy an entire music cd in a couple minutes.