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From: greyelf@wpi.wpi.edu (Michael J Pender)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple
Subject: Re: backing up 3.5" disks
Message-ID: <8357@wpi.wpi.edu>
Date: 15 Feb 90 22:07:00 GMT
References: <3393@plains.UUCP> <8277@wpi.wpi.edu> <1990Feb14.210246.8176@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu>
Reply-To: greyelf@wpi.wpi.edu (Michael J Pender)
Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester ,MA
Lines: 32

In article <1990Feb14.210246.8176@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu> cs122aw@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu (Scott Alfter) writes:
>I would also have to question the original poster's logic behind backing up
>3.5" disks on 5.25" disks.  However, I do question Mr. Pender's claim that
>3.5" disks are more reliable than 5.25" disks.  I've had the opposite
>experience.  In four-and-a-half years I've never had a disk go bad on my
>IIe.  When I came to the University of Illinois and started using Macs in some
>of my classes, I had to start getting 3.5" disks.  I've had at least three
>disks go bad in the six months I've been here.  3.5" disks are nice for their
>large capacity, but I question their reliability, at least as you claim that
>they are "MUCH more reliable."

I have had roughly twenty 5.25 inch disks go bad on me in the eight years
I've been using apples, but have never had a 3.5 inch disk go bad on 
my machine (except for the time I shorted the address lines :^)

The construction of 3.5 inch drives is superior, the control circuitry
is much more precise.  In addition 3.5 inch disks have a longer useful 
lifespan.  They are much less accident prone, since the shutter keeps
out stray dust particles (and fingers, don't forget fingers).

The metal hub ring causes more accurate seating, and the rigid case
causes less flexing on the disk media itself.

I have a friend who killed a 3.5 inch disk once.  She left it
in her pants pocket and it went through the wash.

That is not to say you can't get the occasional bad piece of 
media out of the box, especially with the cheapies I buy.
---
Michael J Pender Jr  Box 1942 c/o W.P.I.   W.O.S. is not dead.
greyelf@wpi.bitnet   100 Institute Rd.     ...its time to get started,
greyelf@wpi.wpi.edu  Worcester, Ma 01609   there is much to be done.
If my next computer isn't a IIgs, it won't be an apple... Me.