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Two types of external computer storage devices are tape and cartridge drives. Tape and cartridge drives are both good alternatives if you are looking for a way to store large amounts of data. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, although deciding which one to use will largely depend on what you are trying to accomplish.
A tape drive, also known as a streamer, uses a magnetic tape from which to read and write data. It is especially useful for storing archival materials because it is very cost-effective and is quite durable. Unlike random-access drives, tapes only allow access to data in a sequential manner. As a result, it can take a very long time to locate a piece of data on a tape drive.
One appealing aspect of tape drives is that you can choose from a wide range of storage capabilities. They can range from a few gigabytes to hundreds of gigabytes, uncompressed. Generally these drives are assumed to have a 2:1 compression ratio, so a tape can be referred to as being 60/120, meaning it can store 60 MB normally and 120 MB compressed. Compression capability usually is related to the type of data being stored.
Cartridge drives are another type of external storage device. While faster than DVD or CD drives, they are usually not as fast as hard drives. The interface you use will also impact the speed. USB cable is generally slower than a 1394/Firewire.
A big advantage to cartridge drives is their portability. They are easy to unplug, take along and plug into another computer. If others have the same type of drive, it is easy to share data with them. Even though you need to be careful when handling them, cartridges are generally quite durable.
Because they are so fast and precise, they are also considerably more expensive than other storage media. A 2 GB cartridge can cost about $80, while other forms of storage like CDs and tape may only cost a few dollars. If you are looking for speed and performance however, it may be worth the cost.
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Where can I buy used Tape and Cartridge Drives online?
You can buy used Tape and Cartridge Drives online at www.bizrate.com › Computers & Software. Another good site is minnesotacomputers.com/ProductCategory.aspx?cat=70
What are Two kinds of tapes that tape drives can accommodate?
data cartridge, and minicartridges
Where online can I purchase tape and cartridge drives?
You can get tape drives from PC makers and sites which sell computer peripherals. That includes quantum.com, HP.com, Dell.com and Newegg.com among many other sites.
What is important to look for when purchasing tape and cartridge drives?
Tape drives are quite reliable and that's the only reason to buy one. Other than that there are better storage options available. So you want a reliable brand such as quantum.
How to Choose the Right Cartridge or Tape Drive?
Cartridge drives have evolved significantly over the years. In the past, cartridge drives could only store the data that was imprinted upon them during manufacturing. In modern times, cartridge drives have become an effective solution to alternative data storage. Cartridge drives are primarily used as back up storage devices for valuable information.When considering purchasing a cartridge drive, the most important factor will be storage space. Typically, cartridge drives can store as little as 80GB of data, or as much as over 1000GB. The smaller drive space will be cheaper than the larger storage models, and are often adequate solutions to most storage tasks. The larger drives are used for industrial purposes.Next, you will want to consider whether you want an internal cartridge, or an external cartridge. An external cartridge will connect to your storage device via USB cable. In some cases, a cartridge drive can connect to a computer through the router. These devices are convenient when transferring data between devices, as they can be connected to multiple computers. And internal cartridge drive resides inside the storage device, and only servers as back up to the information stored there. This means that the drive cannot be moved, but if there is a failure within the device, then the information can be retrieved from the cartridge drive.Tape drives differ from cartridge drives in the sense that they use magnetic tape, rather than digital signatures, to store data. Tape drives are often used as a cost effective solution to storing data for long periods of time. Once the magnetic tape has been written up, you cannot erase it. Due to the fact that tape cannot be erased, it is favorable for storing information that will always remain unchanged.Although tape drives are an old technology, they still have their uses in the modern world. Many companies still find use storing information on tapes, and in the home they can be used for storing music or important documents. If considering a tape drive for personal use, then you will want to purchase one of the smaller models. Chances are that you won’t be storing a lot of data on it, so a more economical drive would be recommended.
Are there any tape drives that also uses DVD's?
Yes, the Panasonic DVD-RAM Cartridge Drive uses DVD's and is an excellent unit.
What is the difference between ibm lto5 tape drives 3588 f5a and hp lto5 tape drives eh957b?
There is not a difference between IBM lto5 tape drives 3588 f5a and hp lto5 tape drives eh957b. They are both a software tape.
Small rectangular plastic housing for tape?
tape cartridge
Is the Tandberg RDX External drive with 320 GB Cartridge reliable?
In general Tape drives will rarely fail.The technology has been thoroughly proven over the course of a long time.
How big are most tape drives?
Generally speaking tape drives are 12 inches by 8 inches or smaller.
Are tape drives the best for a studio computer?
Tape drives are best for offsite backup to protect valuable information.
Are cartridge drives better than disk?
Disc drives can hold more data than catridge drives.
