CompuServe Thread

#Rec for CDROM Purchase

8 messages in this thread
#50589From: Gordon HousworthJun 15, 1993 7:31 AM
Rich: I've now downloaded CDFAQ.TXT as you suggested. I've skimmed it but must give it a careful read so that I can ask an intelligent question. Thanks for the suggestion. Regards, Gordon
#50623From: Rich Bowers/OPAJun 15, 1993 6:07 PM
Gordon: Keep me posted. Happy to dive in if I can! Best – Rich Bowers
#50696From: Gordon HousworthJun 16, 1993 1:28 PM
Rich: After having read CDFAQ.TXT, I would attempt to describe our application and preferences as follows: INSTALLATION PLATFORM: PC with 486DX2/66 CPU and 8MB RAM USAGE: "heavy database research" — and we are adding a one gigabyte drive to handle the DBMS and database – which will get part of its data from such products as the MarketPlace Business CD-ROM product. SPECS: Good access time, 200 – 300 MS Multi-spin 2X ISO 9660 compliant CD caching (appears to me that this is usually a separate add-on) OPTIONS: The following options are designed for growth, not the immediate application. Usually there is a tradeoff on the (rising) performance versus (decreasing) price curve. If we wanted to be able to move into mixed audio/video is 6 months to a year, are we better off buying this function in now and, if so, at what price? Multi-session Full XA (Mode 2, Form 2) CPU RAM BUMP? Are we realistically in need of bumping RAM from 8 to 16 MB? What ELSE have I overlooked? With this information, is it possible to identify a drive, or group of drives, that fit the base and optional criteria? Thanks and regards, Gordon
#50728From: Nill ToulmeJun 16, 1993 10:16 PM
Toshiba 3401. Nill
#50803From: Gordon HousworthJun 18, 1993 6:34 AM
Nill: Thanks for your rapid recommendation on the Toshiba 3401. Am I to understand that this unit is the only one to fit the base plus options requested or that it is far superior to its peers in terms of price, reliability, etc. Any guidance as to where to buy it and what to pay for it? Thanks, Gordon
#50809From: Rich Bowers/OPAJun 18, 1993 7:48 AM
Gordon: >>Are we realistically in need of bumping RAM from 8 to 16 MB?<< Only if you plan to try to run Windows NT. >>What ELSE have I overlooked?<< I think your list pretty well covers it. With a set-up like this, I wouldn't recommend scrimping on CDROM features, so expect to pay something in the $500-700 range. Good Luck! Best – Rich Bowers
#50851From: Gordon HousworthJun 18, 1993 7:24 PM
Rich: Thanks for your comments re memory. I received one recommendation for a Toshiba 3401 but with no elaboration. Are you permitted to at least say if this is suitable for our purposes? and are there others in the same class? I agree, we do not wish to skimp. Best regards, Gordon
#50984From: Rich Bowers/OPAJun 20, 1993 9:56 PM
Gordon: I haven't heard anything negative about the Toshiba machine, and, except for multi-speed, would appear to meet your needs. Best – Rich