menton%v5130b.DECnet@NRL-ACOUSTICS.ARPA ("V5130B::MENTON") (05/15/87)
Our supply people ordered 3.5 in., DS diskettes. A brand name was ordered, but the supplier was out and asked if he could substitute 'equivalent' disks of a different manufacturer. As a result, we received many boxes of "Precision" brand DS disks. There is high correlation between the brand name, "Precision", and the observed quality of the disks. Unfortunately, the correlation coefficient is -1.0 !! These disks ** may ** be suitable for use as coasters, or for playing indoor frisbee, but certainly NOT for storing data. We had good (not great, but good) luck using 3M SS disks; we had fair (not good, but fair) luck when we formatted the 3M SS disks to DS. Incredibly, our experience with double- siding the 3M SS disks was BETTER than trying to use the "Precision" DS disks! We were pleased with Sony SS disks, including formatting them DS. We are now using Verbatim 'Datalife' (made in Ireland) DS disks and are very pleased with them, although as one correspondent on this net has indicated, we need to use them for several months before giving them an unqualified recommendation. Steer clear of "Precision" - brand disks. Bob Menton ARPAnet: MENTON@NRL-ACOUSTICS ------