Re: OT: tape backup

["W Bauske" <wsb paralleldata com>]

Paul Bunn wrote:
> 
> Of course I checked prices -- with TechData, a major distributor.  Congrats with
> finding DLT media for $54 -- that's a great deal, and yes that's cheaper than
> Ecrix media,  but note that the DLT7000 is around $1000 more to purchase.

And for my use, 67% faster. You pay to get performance as usual.

> Ampex now have quad-density that allows 660GB per cartridge.  You seem to take
> great delight in pointing out the most minor of mistakes, so please allow me to
> return the favor:
> 
> What school of math are you using ?
> DLT IV cart = 40GB native capacity (only with DLT8000) = $54
> $54 / 40GB  =  $1.35/GB
> LTO = 100GB native = $131 (per pricewatch)
> $131 / 100 = $1.31/GB
> 
> Seems to me that $1.31/GB < $1.35, maybe you just like to pay more per GB.  If you
> use the more common DLT4000 or DLT7000, the $/GB figures for DLT are much worse.
> 

I like real references. I don't like fuzzy numbers and non-confirmed
information. Apparently Techdata is a wholesale outfit according to 
their web site so normal folks can't confirm your price quote.

Where is that new Ampex drive described on a public web site? The Ampexdata
site seems to ignore it. I'd like to read about.

No different school, just different timeframe. Should have looked at 
the latest LTO prices, they've dropped.

If you trust the sellers on ebay, new DLT IV carts go for around $40 
there, used around $20. That would be $40/40GB=$1.00/GB, $40/35GB=$1.14/GB. 
Used, divide by two. One of the advantages of mainstream equipment is 
they generate a secondary market as new generations arrive on the 
scene and companies upgrade.

If it were me, I'd buy a used DLT7000 and tapes off ebay.
If you're uncomfortable with used equipment, you'd probably make
a different decision. Most of the people I've dealt with on ebay
are on the up and up. There are some that aren't though or they're
totally clueless about the HW they're selling.

As Maurice said, VXA-1 is not near either DLT or LTO for media
cost. Even at your cost, it's $65/33GB=$1.97/GB.

Really, a used 5GB 8mm is a bargain for storage if you can tolerate
around 0.5-1.0 MB/sec. transfer. As above, $3/5GB=$0.60/GB. If you can 
use them, a CD-R is better, $0.20/650MB=$0.31/GB. If speed is 
important, which should be less so on a home system, then consider
paying more for the drive. If you're comfortable with used equipment,
look on the auction sites and you can find some real bargains.

Wes