rl1b+idm.err@ANDREW.CMU.EDU (06/05/89)
I don't want to seem like a shill for Suitable Solutions, but
I suspect many will be interested in the announcement, issued
a few days, concerning the latest version of the Idrive. The
text follows.
ANNOUNCING: IMPROVED IDRIVE
Suitable Solutions announces improvements to the IDRIVE, our
IBM-media-compatible floppy disk drive for the Rainbow. The
major improvement is in formatting: IBM diskettes can now be
formatted directly from within MS-DOS, using the IDRIVE. No
more switching to CP/M just to create an IBM-format diskette!
Other improvements include faster initial accessing of the
IDRIVE, and quieter performance overall. In all other
respects, the new model IDRIVEs perform with the same
reliable efficiency as the older models.
Redesign of both hardware and software also allows us to
reduce the price, to $225 for an Internal IDRIVE and $325 for
an External IDRIVE.
The new IDRIVEs require MS-DOS v3.10a (see below) from
Suitable Solutions.
ANNOUNCING: 3-1/2" IDRIVE
Suitable Solutions also announces the availability of a
3-1/2" version of the IDRIVE. Like the 5-1/4" IDRIVE, this
new model can read, write, and format IBM diskettes directly
from within MS-DOS. With its larger capacity, the 3-1/2"
IDRIVE is also an excellent backup device.
The 3-1/2" IDRIVE is available only in Internal versions, for
use in Rainbows with or without half-height hard disks, for
$225.
Note that ONLY ONE IDRIVE can be used on a Rainbow. The
3-1/2" IDRIVE installs in the same physical space, and uses
the same floppy controller, as the 5-1/4" IDRIVE.
The 3-1/2" IDRIVE uses 720K DS/DD floppy diskettes only, and
requires MS-DOS v3.10a from Suitable Solutions.
MS-DOS V3.10A
The new model IDRIVE capabilities require some changes to
MS-DOS 3.10 boot loader and formatting software as well as
new IDRIVE device driver and formatting software. The
currently shipping version (3.10a) of MS-DOS includes some
bug fixes to improve reliability on diskette to diskette
operations, as well.
Please keep in mind that the MS-DOS update and the IDRIVE
software updates are two separate product sets.
The process for updating your system depends on whether or
not you have already purchased an IDRIVE (with or without
support contract) and/or MS-DOS v3.10 (with or without update
contract).
To help you identify what you will need to do, if you wish to
update your system, we have provided the following most
likely scenarios:
1. You currently have any configuration Rainbow with MS-DOS
v2.11 or earlier; you want to add a new IDRIVE and
MS-DOS v3.10a.
Since version 3.10a is the current shipping version of
MS-DOS v3.10, you will automatically receive the
updated software when you order the DOS 3.10 kit. As
part of the price of the new model IDRIVE, you will
also receive the new IDRIVE device drivers and
formatting software.
2. You currently have MS-DOS v3.10 (but no update
contract); You want to add a new IDRIVE and update to
MS-DOS v3.10A
You must supply your MS-DOS 3.10 serial number (on your
distribution diskette) to receive the MS-DOS v3.10a
update, which will allow the IDRIVE software to
function properly. The price of the MS-DOS 3.10a
update is $50, which will also register you for one
year of ongoing support and updates. As part of the
price of the new model IDRIVE, you will also receive
the new IDRIVE device drivers and formatting
software.
3. You currently have MS-DOS v3.10 (with update contract);
You want to add a new IDRIVE and update to MS-DOS v3.10a
Include your MS-DOS v3.10 serial number and/or support
contract number when you place your IDRIVE order. The
MS-DOS v3.10a update will be included at no charge.
The price of the new model IDRIVE includes the new
IDRIVE device drivers and formatting software.
******************************
I have no interest in the company other than being a
satisfied buyer of the original version of the Idrive (and a
couple of their other products).
Michael E. Macmillan
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