Well for one thing, a good DVD burner like this LITEON for $45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106964.
Prices have tumbled so much on blank DVD media that blank CDs and DVDs cost about the same.
If you plan to archive you backups for a good length of time, then you also would want to look at the quality of the blank media. If it is a short time, it really doesn't matter much. I personally like to use Taiyo Yuden (Fuji film is usually TY as well). Their of course are different opinions about blank media, but for realability over a years, the better vendors (don't use CMC created media), media are made to hold on to that magnetic data for decades.
I feel strongly that the best way to back CDs up, is to create Image files using MC 11 or the new Nero first, then use a simple data backup or backup software to archive to DVD.
There was a good comment about the cost of an additional disk drive. I have a portable USB "case", which connects to a USB port, then I can purchase an inexpensive IDE drive, put it in the case, plug it into a USB II port and backup. The advantage of this method for me is that I can stick in any type of IDE drive and KEEP IT OFFLINE, outside of my PC. Also, in an emergency, it can be read and restored on any PC that has an open USB II port.
Then when stored off, you are storing an exact copy of the original.
Jolo