eacj@batcomputer.tn.cornell.edu (Julian Vrieslander) (10/31/87)
I recently installed a SuperMac DataFrame XP150i in a Mac II. Here's a
couple of quick observations.
When I saw the external DataFrame XP150 at MacWorld, I noticed how large
the case was, and wondered how the internal version could fit inside the
Mac II box. Well, now I know. SuperMac supplies a replacement part for
the metal stamping that serves as a tray for internal drives inside the
Mac II. The replacement part still supports two floppy drives in their
normal positions, but the rear half of the tray has a stepped recess that
goes down an inch or two and accommodates the hard disk. It's a tight
fit, but everything fit in OK (see note below) and works fine.
The drive mechanism is a 5.25" unit manufactured by a division of Control
Data Corporation. Disk timer results were as follows:
100 24kb reads 26 deciseconds
100 24kb writes 29 deciseconds
Step time 7 deciseconds
Subjectively, the disk seems a bit faster than the XP20 we were using
temporarily. Noise is minimal, less than the Mac II's fan. I was pleased
to find that SuperMac is now supplying nice glossy documentation with
their drives - this used to be a weak area.
The only hitch in the installation came while the Mac II cover was going
back on. There is a molded plastic post that extends from under the
inside of the cover down to the metal tray that carries the disk drives -
probably to support the case against the weight of large monitors. The
replacement tray sits a bit higher, so the post was pushing the cover up
enough to produce an unslightly bulge. Undaunted, I raided the toolbox
and had at the post with a file. An officemate heard the noise and saw me
working on the open Mac II in a cloud of plastic dust. Came the obvious
question: "What's going on?"
"File optimizing," I answered.
--
Julian Vrieslander (607) 255-3594
Neurobiology & Behavior, W250 Mudd Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853
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