PNU@PSUVM.BITNET (02/17/88)
Our department is considering the purchase of several PS/2 machines,
including model 50's and (probably) a couple of model 30's. We already
have quite a few XT and AT class machines.
My problem is this: I'm looking for an easy way to transfer files
between 5.25" and 3.25" floppies. For several reasons, I refuse to
consider buying that godawful 5.25" external drive that IBM sells.
First, the controller card occupies one of only 3 available slots
in the model 30. Also (I'm told), the computer will only recognize
the external drive as drive B:, requiring one of the internal drives
to be physically disconnected from its controller.
I also don't like the option of cabling my model 30 to an existing
XT and using a "Brooklyn Bridge" type program. While this is fine
for occasional use, I expect that it would get old real fast.
My questions are:
1: Does anyone know of a company that makes _external_ 3.25"
drives for the XT/AT?
2: Does anyone know of a company that makes external 5.25"
drives that can communicate with a model 30 through a
communications port? (the inconvenience of unhooking
modems, etc. would be more than offset by the capability
to move the drive from one machine to another).
3: Ditto question number 2, except for 3.25" drives that
communicate with XT/AT machines through comm. ports.
4: Finally, has a third party produced an external 5.25"
drive for the model 30 which can be adressed as drive
C: D: or E: (allowing the use of both internal floppies).
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone
has any more creative solutions to this problem, please advise!
(PSU people: don't suggest hiking to Pattee library or Findlay
lab every time I want to transfer a file: I don't need that much
exercise!)
Thanks in advance:
JP
*****************************************************************
Jon Peters "Any opinions expressed
or implied are solely
PNU@PSUVM.BITNET those of the author,
JAP@PSUARLC.BITNET who does not speak for
JAP@PSUECLA.BITNET ARL/PSU."
Research assistant,
The Applied Research Laboratory/PSU (814) 865-4229
P.O. Box 30, State College PA 16804
*****************************************************************BJH@PSUVM.BITNET (05/20/88)
In regard to question no. 1, IBM makes an external 3.5" drive for the XTs/ATs/ While I don't have any answers for your other questions, I will say this in spite of your previous warning: why don't you make ONE trip to one of the campus labs, transfer ALL of your 5.25" files to 3.5" format and be done with it? ------- ======================------------------------------------------------ ! BRIAN J. HOFFMAN ! F-15 ! _ ! EAGLE | ! BJH@PSUVM.BITNET ! ______________!/_\!______________ | ! ! !_!(O)!_! | ======================------------------------------------------------