From: lliou@sdcc3.ucsd.edu (Lily Liou )
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.hardware
Subject: micropolis, toshiba, gigabyte drives...
Date: 11 Jan 93 19:38:21 GMT
Organization: University of California, San Diego

Hi, Netters!
  
  Well, it looks as if my search for "a few good drives" is turning
into a bit of a survey.
  When our saga started out last week, I asked you all for your
feelings about and experiences with the Micropolis 1598-15.
  Soon, I heard positive things about the Toshiba MK-538FB and
then the Seagate 11200N and the Micropolis 2112.
  Well, I'd still like to hear more about these, particularly the
Seagate and the Micropolis 2112. 

  Here is a bit of a preliminary summary for those who may
be interested in following the discussion:

Micropolis 1598-15
Plug and play, no problems overall.  Formats to 1.0 GB with
512byte blocks.  14-15ms access time, good transfer rate.
Old style 5.25" platters, not super-noisy, not silent when 
seeking.  Manufacturer claims MTBF at 150kHrs.  Price
for internal drive is ~1500.  

TOshiba MK-5528FB
Plug and play, no problems overall.  Several enthusiastive
supporters of this product wrote to me.  Formats to 1.2 GB.
IS the new 3.5" platter, so seek time closer to 10-11ms.
Fairly noisy when seeking but silent sequential access.
Has been reliable so far (18 mo. for one person).  Priced
at ~1400.  Although I am most tempted to go for this one,
based on current information.  East Coast Electronics,
the vendor I called, claims that 20 out of their 300 drives
sold has had problems (over some unknown time period) and
Toshiba's turnaround time for repairs is pathetic (90days)
Good transfer rate.

Seagate 11200N
A newcomer to this survey.  Supposedly runs at 5400 rpm
for superior data transfer rate.  Supposedly plugs and
plays for NeXT according to a vendor.  Formats to 1.0GB.
Is the 3.5" size, I would assume at those rotation speeds.
Priced at $1450 for the internal version.
*********************************************************
I'd appreciate some information from users out there:
Are you happy with your drive? Was it easy to install?
Reliable? Good access speed? Noise?  Any other comments?
*********************************************************

Micropolis 2112
This drive was reviewed in NeXTWorld Spring '92.  The price
has come down to $1450, same as the Seagate for the internal
version.  Another 3.5" platter.  Seemed reasonably reliable.
Formats to 1.0 GB.  Plug 'n' Play.  I heard one report that
there might be a vibration problem.  (No worse than rumors
for the other drives however, and I'm not certain this is the
model referred to).
*********************************************************
User reports on this drive would also be appreciated.
*********************************************************

Is there anyone out there who might have first-hand or second-hand
comparison data between any of these drives or other comparable
drives in this price range (or better, of course).
Bad news reports are solicited also.

I will post another summary/report in a few days, along with my purchase
decision.  And then I'll follow-up with an installation and
performance report.
Please let me know if you have any info pertaining to this
subject.  I appreciate all your help!

-Lily Liou
lliou@sdcc3.ucsd.edu

e-mail to me for more details if you like
post or e-mail if you have more info to share!!!!!

disclaimer: I have nothing to do with any vendors or manufacturers
mentioned.  But I am interested in getting the best possible drive
for my hard-earned money!