Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!wuarchive!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sdd.hp.com!hplabs!otter.hpl.hp.com!hpltoad!hpcpbla!stevej
From: stevej@hpcpbla.HP.COM (Steve Jerman)
Newsgroups: comp.periphs.scsi
Subject: Re: DAT versus 8mm Tape
Message-ID: <9850004@hpcpbla.HP.COM>
Date: 1 Nov 90 13:54:14 GMT
References: <272DB1E1.9737@orion.oac.uci.edu>
Organization: HP Computer Peripherals Bristol, UK
Lines: 44

>I Need To Buy A Backup System In The 1-2 Gb Range For Unix.  I Am
>Comparing Dat And Exabyte 8mm Tape.
>
>1.  Any Opinions On The Merits And Problems With Each System
>    Would Be Welcome.
Bearing in mind that I work for a DAT  drive manufacturer, I've 
probably not got the most unbiased view in the world, but personally I
think that DAT is the best thing since sliced bread (it that an
American expression?). Howver I think I'll let users answer the
question properly although email me if you've any specific questions
and I'll answer them.

>2.  Can Anyone Suggest Articles Of Intermediate Technical Level That
>    Describe How Dat And 8mm Tape Systems Work And What The Pratical
>    Details Are Of Using These Systems (Eg, Seek Times, Etc)
>
On DAT there is an artical in IEEE Spectrum (Ocober 1989) which gives
a good overview on the technology. Alternatively contact your local HP
dealer and he should be able to give soome good info.

>3.  What Is The Cost For Medium For Dat Drives?
>
DDS media costs between $10 and $15 per cartridge.


How about that for impartial!
Steve

Steve Jerman
Hewlett Packard
Computer Peripherals Bristol

Address:	     Email:
  Filton Road		stevej@hpcpbla.bri.hp.com
  Stoke Gifford
  Bristol
  BS12 6QZ
  UK

Phone:                   Fax:
(44) 272 799910 x22424   (44) 272 236091

**** Please note that the above views are mine and not   *****
**** necessarily my employers			         *****