John, I think I used the wrong word when I said "standalone" -- what I'm looking for is an external burner that I can connect to my laptop via USB or FireWire. I think I'll take your advice and get a MadDog unit at CompUSA. I bought one of their CD burners for my old computer and was pleased with it. I still don't know whether to get DVD-R or DVD+R blanks. The links in your post didn't seem to be about that distinction, but it sounds like either one will work OK. Thanks!

Good luck with your shopping and insurance-company-haggling, Maggie. Sorry you have to go through it.

Aloha,
Mark