ORB 2.2 GB drives
Read about Removable storage here.
The ORB 2.2 GB drive from Castlewood Systems has a little bit larger storage capacity than it's main rival - Jaz 2 GB from Iomega.
Like Jaz drive, ORB is designed for data backup and exchange. Castlewood claims that their drive is faster (see comparison below) and more reliable. It also comes in all thinkable configurations, such as internal (EIDE, SCSI) and external (Parallel, SCSI, USB, IEEE 1394 Firewire). It is also available for both PC and Macintosh computers.
Similar to Jaz, ORB drive can be used to store, backup, and move large office application files, digital music, presentations, digital photos, digital video, and to provide back-up for your OS. These products are much closer to the category of 'backup' storage than the infamous 100 MB and 250 MB Zip drives and have relatively large storage capacity even by today's standards.
The next table compares main parameters of Jaz 2 GB and ORB 2.2 GB drives.
| Parameter | Jaz 2 GB (Iomega) | ORB (Castlewood) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (GB) | 2 | 2.2 |
| Average seek time (ms) | 10 read / 12 write | 10 read / 12 write |
| Maximum (not average)sustained | 8.7 | 12.2 (EIDE) |
| Transfer rate (MB/sec) | 20 | 16.6 (EIDE) |
| Burst transfer rate (MB/sec) | ||
| Rotational speed (RPM) | 5394 | 5400 |
| Magnetic head type | MR (Magneto-Resistive) | MR (Magneto-Resistive) |
| Average start / stop time (sec) | 15 / 15 | 20 / 10 |
| Short format time (sec) | 45 | < 1 |
| Long format time with surface verify (minutes) | ~55 | 9 |
| Interfaces available | SCSI, parallel | EIDE, SCSI, Parallel, USB, IEEE 1394 Firewire |
| Acoustical noise (dB) | < 45 dB | < 36 dB |
| Weight (gm) | ~900 | 426 |
| Warranty (years) | 1 | 1 |
| List price | $350 - U-SCSI (external) | $200 - EIDE (internal) $220 - U-SCSI (internal) $230 -U-SCSI (external) $280 - USB (external) |
| Disk price | $100 | $40 |
The above table tells us that the ORB drive seems to have newer design with specifications set to be better than those of Jaz 2 GB drive. There is no surprise here: Iomega is the leader in the field of removable storage, while Castlewood is a relatively new company.
Comparison of the drive specs shows that ORB has approximately same capacity and speed, but has advantage in format time and weight, has much better selection of the interfaces, and is cheaper.
The fact that you can buy a EIDE, USB, or Firewire versions of the drive makes it very attractive since these interfaces are much easier to use than the SCSI. SCSI interface also requires a special and relatively expensive adapter card.
Compare different removable storage systems here!
Compare different Iomega removable storage products here!
One thing to remember about ORB is that it is not as popular yet among the PC user, while Jaz drive is a kind of the industry standard. This may create compatibility problems for the ORB users, unless they will always travel with their drives...
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