Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uwm.edu!ux1.cso.uiuc.edu!jacobson
From: jacobson@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu (R J Jacobson)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.hardware
Subject: CD ROM drives
Summary: Looking for lowest price/best buy on CD ROM drive for  a BBS
Keywords: CD ROM, NEC CD ROM, CD Tech Porta-Drive,
Message-ID: <1990Nov27.190637.6313@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu>
Date: 27 Nov 90 19:06:37 GMT
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Lines: 47


I am wanting over the next few months to buy a CD ROM drive for my BBS
as well as ocassional use for other tasks. I have reread the Article
on CD ROM drives from the March 1990 Macuser, and have been looking at
recent ads in recent magazines.

I have always had an interest in the NEC CDR-35, but unfortunately my BBS
runs on an external Hard drive and the NEC drive does not have a pass
through but cannot be the last on the SCSI chain. I have heard though that
this is soon to be remedied so that the NEC CDR-35 will be useable with
with other devices on the SCSI chain. Is this true or not? Anyone heard
or have hard facts on this. And even if this is true are there other 
potential problems that I should be aware of. I want to use the CD-ROM to
basically mount a CD ROM disk with tons of PD software for my users (like
the Right STuffed or BMUG or NYMUG disks) Has anyone used this drive on
the net?  If so any comments, words of warning etc would be most 
appreciated.
 
I am also looking at more expensive drives that were recommended in the
MacUser Article. In particular the CD Technology Porta-Drive with the
Toshiba 3201-B mechanism looks like a top one to consider. I have seen
prices around $650 for it, and one ad from educorp at $599. Anyone seen
lower prices?  Has anyone used this drive? Can you ad any more pro's or
cons beyond those in the MacUser Article. If I cannot get the NEC drive
in a version that will work with my external hard drive I am seriously
considering this one.

With the CD Technology drive I am also interested in learning more about the
drive. Does it need to reside in a particular part of the chain. I have a
SuperMac Dataframe XP60 if that helps anyone answer this question. I don't
want to get a drive that will not work in this configuration since it is
primarily for my BBS.

I am also open to other suggestions for CD ROM drives. My bottom line is to
not spend lots of money, hopefully under $600, and under $500 would be nice 
(like the NEC drive is)

Please respond by Email. Thanks
BITNET  jacobson@uiucux1
ARPANET jacobson%uiucux1@a.cs.uiuc.edu
CSNET   jacobson%uiucux1@uiuc.csnet
USENET  [ihnp4,pur-ee,convex]uiucdcs!uiucuxc!uiucux1!jacobson

Russ Jacobson
Illinois Geological Survey
Champaign, IL 61820
217-244-2425