CompuServe Messages

Jeffrey, While its true that 8505 can emulate the 8500, alot more place have 8500's which can't emulate the 8505. In the case of Abekas for instance there are a special set of drivers which many places haven't acquired. That of course is a concern. I buy regular 8mm video tape for $5 a pop, whereas with the 8505 you really need to get data grade tape, which is several times more expensive. This is because of the high compression. And the Abekas can't hold 5 gigs wo+rth of images anyway. Maybe somebody has an array that will but the standard is one minute. If you plan to physically hook your unit up rather than send a tape you're likely to find the 8500 more universally acceptable. Some people have compatibility problems with SCSI devices with the 8505. I have 3 different kinds and the 8500 works with all of them. But its not as fast as the 8505, although its a heck of alot faster than my network, which I also use it to backup. There are pro and cons to each but alot of people in the print world swear by the 8500 and its easily hookup able to an Abekas, so that was my choice. Its also full height as opposed to the 8505 which is half height, which some people object to. I've got mine external and its a solid drive. John