text: The DVD recordable will play CDs and DVDs & can burn CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R or DVD-RW. \n\nThe CD-RW/DVD Rom combo will only be able to burn CD-R or CD-RWs, but will play both CDs and DVDs of any type.  \n\nThe decision comes down to how much data you think you would anticipate burning.  Its whether you would want or need the capability of burning DVDs (capable of holding 4700MB of data per single sided disc) or if you can get by with the Combo drive that only burns CD-R/RWs (capable of holding 700MB of data per disc).