#WORM II
11 messages in this thread
Question –
Are WORM drives capable of reading standard CD-ROMS as well ?
In addition, are WORM drives still widely available and what sort of
price range would one expect ?
I have been trying to look up this information here in Australia but all
I am getting is vendors trying to push MO drives at me … they keep on
telling me that 'they're BETTER …'.
The fact that I don't WANT one does not seem to register … <grin>
Finally, would a WORM drive disk written using the appropriate software be
readable in an ordinary CD-ROM reader ?
(Assuming, of course, that the disk was physically compatible, a point
that I am totally unsure on …)
Chris:
Download the CDFAQ.TXT file in Lib #1 for a discussion about the difference
between CDROM and what is traditionally known as WORM.
In brief: CDROM is _not_ compatible in any way with these drives, the
discs are even different sizes! There is a recordable CD – generally not
known as WORM, although functionally equivalent. As this capability comes
down in price and becomes more prevalent, traditional small-format WORM may
become extinct. M-O is a good technology, also not compatible with CDROM,
best for data processing purposes, not publishing.
Check out the file and let me know if you have further questions.
Best — Rich Bowers
A few years ago I saw ads for a multi-function drive. This drive could us
MO, WORM and CD-ROM discs. Have never seen anything since on the product.
It seems that most multi-function drives are MO & WORM. CD-ROM drives
always seem to be seperate these days.
WORM and CD-WO discs are not compatible. In many way these seem the same
though. CD-WO media requires a CD-Writer which $8000 or so. WORM drives
are around $3000 I think.
you can pick of nicely refurbished WORM drives for about $600. They work
great if a bit slow. I use one for archiving data that I want to move off of
my primary disk.
-C
That is quite inexpensive isn't it. What is the make of your WORM drive?
What is its capacity, speed? Is it a scsi drive?
It's a MAXOPTIC drive, 800MB (actually 460M a side) single sided. It's FH
(but they have a newer 1/2 height unit for about $150 more). It's SCSI-1 and
slow <g>. but it's fine for archiving… I would guess access time is about
400msec. Transfer rate 400-500KBS.
If you want the number of the place that was selling them (complete with a
disk) just ask.
-C
Clarke, Sounds interesting. I would like the number of the place that is
selling the drives.
The newer Tahiti II MO/WORM drives look nice too.
See message 36646, I sent the number and info to Cris.
-C
Very interesting …
Where may I find out more about these refurbished drives ???
Thanks for the information.
Chris, the company is called CSC (corp. systems center) they are in CA (of
course) The number is 408-737-7312. The units they were selling were the
MAXTOR (Maxoptic or Ricoh) RXT-800 for $395 (disk included) but that was a
sale price. They also had the RXT-800S unit (1/2 height) for $200 more.
-C
Pioneer still makes WORM drives, and our multifunction drive does REAL
WORM. In OZ, call 03.580.9911 (Braeside, Vic)
Tell Graham that Cris says hello.
Cris Simpson