CompuServe Thread

#Looking for a CD ROM

13 messages in this thread
#29080From: Reagan K. BooneOct 21, 1992 4:37 PM
I've been looking for information on a buying a CD ROM for a while now, but I can't seem to find anything that relates to me. I'm looking to spend about $600, and I'd like to get something with some basic software with it (encyclopedia, almanac, maybe some games). Do you have any advice for me? Also, what kind of sound board would I need to operate it? Thanks for your help.
#29087From: Rich Bowers/OPAOct 21, 1992 5:24 PM
The mention of sound board tells me you are seeking a pc-compatible product? There are perhaps dozens of excellent "bundle" deals available from distributors and vendors. Some that get the most attention are from NEC, TigerSoftware, DAK and Sony, but – if history is any indicator – there are probably other terrific deals that others on the Forum can recommend to you. The "vndrs.txt" file in Library #14 contains contact info (any many 800#s) for about 70 companies who would be delighted to talk with you, and there will be an update next month with a few more I have learned about here on the Forum. Perhaps you might want to focus on the MPC upgrade section of the list, or other distributors who handle them: I believe they all come with decent titles. Rich Bowers
#29131From: Frank HarrisOct 22, 1992 1:10 AM
In the 600 range, if you are looking for Drive only (not sound card as well, I recommend the Sony 535. In the event that you want the card included in that price I recommend the Creative Labs MM Kit. If you want prices, send me email. Frank
#29225From: Clarke FerberOct 22, 1992 9:26 PM
Frank, the steet price of a CDU-535 is only $340 or so. You can get the CDU-541 (with 64K buffer for about 360-370). -Clarke
#29237From: Frank HarrisOct 22, 1992 10:31 PM
Not with bundles and adapter it isn't! Frank
#29302From: Clarke FerberOct 23, 1992 8:28 PM
Quite right! I should learn to think first…
#29297From: Reagan K. BooneOct 23, 1992 5:43 PM
Thanks for the information. The Sony 535 is a definate possibility if I was looking for a drive-only system. I'm planning on buying the Windows Sound System whenever it is shipped, and it includes an adequate 16-bit sound card. Would this sound card by itself be enough to support CD-ROM sound, and would it be compatible, or do you suggest I get something like a Pro Audio Spectrum 16, then buy possibly a nicer CD-ROM drive once I can afford it? By the way, what would I need to install the CD-ROM and sound board? Thanks for you help. Reagan.
#29322From: Frank HarrisOct 24, 1992 2:11 AM
As of right now PAS is having problems with Windows. All of the cards support CDROM (or vice-versa) if they meet the MPC spec. Nicer CDROM (hmmm) does that mean prettier or do you have a need for either PhotoCD or XA? if not then a 380 ms system is great for the applications that are out in the market. Frank
#29408From: Reagan K. BooneOct 25, 1992 1:34 PM
So the PAS 16 is having problems with Windows… does that mean it is not compatible with Windows, or just that some applications have trouble with it? By a nicer CDROM, I meant a drive that is faster than one I could afford right now, and one that comes with some extra software. About the PAS 16, what sound card would you recommend for use with a CDROM? Thanks again for your help.
#29443From: Frank HarrisOct 26, 1992 7:03 AM
Random crashes have been reported. As to which apps are not compatible from the info I have received, the crashes are too random for identification. For that reason we recommend the SoundBlaster Pro. Frank
#29458From: Charles IrelandOct 26, 1992 8:35 AM
For that reason we recommend the SoundBlaster Pro. Frank Who is we? Reason for asking is that I am about to jump in to CDRom and was considering doing so via the SoundBlaster Pro. There is something called an Upgrade kit I believe, that has a Rom drive and CD's as well as the SoundBlaster board. Do you know about this? Is it a good place to start? Thanks.
#29474From: Johann DelagoOct 26, 1992 12:57 PM
Hi Frank! > As of right now PAS is having problems with Windows. Gulp – I was just about to order a Pro Audio Spectrum 16… Exactly which problems do you mean? (If these are only with the built-in SCSI port, I can live with that – the CDROM is connected to an Adaptec…). Johann.
#29496From: Norman MarcusOct 26, 1992 7:10 PM
Frank, Do you have any info on an external drive which plugs into SBPRO. I have looked everywhere. Thanks, Norm