IOM In Fooldom Today Monday, June 30, 1997

Friday, Iomega closed at $19 3/4, down $7/16 (-2.17%).

THIS WEEKEND'S RECAP: A very active board this weekend, although many of the posts focused on personal debates, discussion and disagreement. Some broader issues which surfaced, however, included the "improvement" of SyQuest, the appearance of the Zip in "Face/Off," the floptical drive (LS-120 and Iomega's history with the technology), new Jaz products, storage solution news and the digital future.

A great deal of time was spent on the LS-120 and whether the drive is, in fact, a legitimate competitor to the Zip -- including an announcement about the SuperDrive's inclusion in Taiwanese notebooks. Unfortunately, many of these posts incorporated copyrighted news articles and cannot be reproduced here, but feel free to follow this discussion on the board itself.

Enjoy!

INDEX: Use the Search or Find feature of your word processor to locate the article number (Find: 1++, 3++, etc.) - or use AOL's Edit>>Find in Top Window Feature. If Find in Top Window is dimmed, just click on some text, anything, in the IOM Today window and try again.

1++ AJM001 on options conspiracies and Market Makers.
2++ Paul894928 traces the history of Iomega and floptical technology.
3++ TMF Jeanie analyzes a recent Avatar Shark advertisement.
4++ BBu84 posts the specifications for the "bootable" Zip drive.
5++ Skichang shares some numbers on SyQuest and its recent move up in stock price.
6++ VOICE 9 details IOM's Zip drive in John Travolta and Nicholas Cage's new movie, "Face/Off".
7++ IAmErgoSum provides web sites with recent articles on Iomega products.
8++ Waverunner on Sony, the digital future, and more.
9++ NSACORAF reports on the new Global Computer Supplies catalog.
10++ Lurker439 with new third-party Zip products from Kensington.
11++ DaleVelk shares news on removable storage from Windows Magazine (and a link).
12++ AuntArctic posts news on a new 7-drive Jaz network solution.

Recap written by TMF Weekly; posts compiled by TMF Weekly.
Edited and mailed by TMF Selena.
Kudos? Gripes? Questions? Let us know.

As always, the following posts represent the thoughts of our contributors, not those of The Motley Fool.

And now, the Best of the Board...Started 10:01pm ET 6/26/97.

1+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Subj: Option conspiracy theories
Date: 26 Jun 1997 23:14:15 EDT
From: AJM001

A note in response to the discussion about market makers fixing the price of underlying securities at option expiry.

If you understand how option market makers do their business, you would know that the price of the underlying security at expiry, or for that matter at any other time, makes no difference to them. The Option MM is simply concerned with buying or selling stock to balance open positions in calls and puts, and with balancing put versus call open positions. They make their money scalping spreads on each transaction. It is uncommon and usually unwise for an option MM to be net short or long, especially overnight, as they can easily get burned. They don't need to speculate, or have an opinion about which direction the market is heading since they make money on every transaction while staying market and delta neutral.

A related point: The more liquid the underlying security, the easier it is for the options MM to "make stock into puts and calls" and the narrower a bid/ask they can allow on the options they trade. If a stock has a wide spread, or is thinly traded, they are less assured that they can buy or sell stock at a given price to cover a position they are trying to create or balance in the options. The option MMs generally like liquidity and actively traded issues as it makes their job easier.

Now for those that have observed the greater than chance occurrance of equity prices closing at an option strike price at expiry, the place to look for the 'conspiracy' or 'manipulation' is to the large option position holders. By selling or buying stock against an open option position, the underlying price can be manipulated (or more properly - pegged) in one direction or another (simple supply and demand over a narrow price range) on a short term basis. If the hedge is a time spread, or a roll out to a later expiry of one sort or another, the later expiry position can be unwound at a later date, or time value can be allowed to waste, with the main purpose of trying to force current expiry short option positions to expire worthless. I have not personally seen it done, but I believe it can happen, and probably does account for some of the near-expiry price behavior of IOM and other issues.

Regards,

Andrew

PS I'm a Fool, and use options extensively. I don't buy the argument that options are unFoolish, though I agree that most people employ options in an unFoolish manner. Positions can be tailored to any strategy or any risk tolerance level. Option positions can be more conservative than long or short stock positions. "Why would anyone want to own naked stock? Too risky!"

2+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Subj: Re: A few UK LS120/ZIP links more
Date: 27 Jun 1997 12:10:03 EDT
From: Paul894928

Paul says: << FACT: The Floptical drive never successfully worked during Iomega’s R&D effort. Iomega collected $2 million the Floptical R&D assets). >>

Huibs pht (Jim) says: << Huh? The 'fact' of the matter is that the 21MB floptical was made, and sold, but never caught on. Why? Maybe it was too slow, or there was no need, or maybe the marketing was horrid. But, the 'fact' is, the drive DID work. >>

Jim, from reviewing the news clips that a friend passed along to me, I think that you’re correct in saying that Iomega DID have a working 20.8MB Floptical drive. But your bone-of-contention is misguided. I was pointing out that Iomega sold its R&D assets in the 120MB Floptical (not 20.8MB).

Iomega had jumped in on Floptical technology on January 30, 1989, when they signed Insite’s peripheral’s (predecessor to OR Technology) first licensing agreement for the Floptical technology. Michael J. Kucha was then president of Iomega.

In the late 1980s, Insite licensed the Floptical 20.8 MB technology to Matsushita-Kotobuke Electronics and 3M.

On September 14, 1992, Iomega paid Insite $2 million for a license to actually develop, manufacture (as second source to Matsushita-Kotobuki Electronics) and sell Floptical media products, modifying certain terms and conditions of its original agreement dated January 30, 1989. At that that time, Insite, Iomega, Maxell (Hitachi-Maxell, Ltd.), MKE and 3M all are members of the FTA ("Floptical Technology Association"), along with host adapter companies, Adaptec Technology, Inc. <ADTK>, Future Domain, and Rancho Technology (memory lane). Iomega named its version of the Floptical the "Insider." The insider was compatible with the Insite model, fitted into the standard 3.5-inch peripheral bay of most computers and was expected to have a list price of $349. For $399, users initially could get a stand-alone model that plugs into the back of a computer. The 20.8MB Floptical, and most versions manufactured by companies such as MKE and Iomega, originally sold for $300 to $400.

On Monday, April 4, 1994, Leon J. Staciokas closed the BOSCO ("Bernoulli Optical Systems Co.") R&D facility in Boulder and laid off all 20 members of the Boulder research crew. Some the those 20 are now on OR Technology’s SlimLine R&D team in Boulder. The engineers revel in the fact that they succeeded in making the Laser-Servo 120MB ("floptical") read and write on the same day that they were fired by Iomega.

It’s my understanding that when Iomega sold the its Floptical assets to 3M on July 19, 1994, it retained the right to market Floptical products worldwide (of course, that would accelerate a Zip demise).

The rest is pretty familiar . . . Iomega introduced the Zip on November 7, 1994. And of course, Iomega introduced Jaz on June 12, 1995.

3+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Subj: Re: Dell offers Avatar Shark
Date: 27 Jun 1997 12:57:20 EDT
From: TMF Jeanie

GURU56 sez: << I think they took a page from Iomega. >>

Wow, did they ever! Just got my first chance to see what this Shark gizmo looks like,

from a full page ad in United Airlines inflight magazine.

Husband (average non-tech businessman who uses a laptop while travelling, understands nothing about it, but can't live without it) tore the page out of the magazine and asks, "what's this? It sounds great. Son (a techie) says, "kewl looking".

Me (IOM shareholder) sez, "uh... laptop zip where are you?"

The ad: two big photos separated by headline

(photo #1 -- Hershey candy bar, foil peeled back to reveal big bite out of chocolate)

caption : 250 Calories (actual size)

HEADLINE: TWO REFERESHING TREATS FOR HUNGRY TRAVELERS
(photo #2 -- the Shark)
caption: 250 MB (actual size)

Sub head: THE SHARK 250(TM) MOBILE HARD DRIVE.

THE WORLD'S SMALLEST, FASTEST, EASIEST WAY TO TAKE YOUR DATA WHEREVER.

And I don't recall anyone mentioning how similar the logo is to Iomega-style branding. Specifically the name "Shark" horizontally (blue type against gold background)... then type "250" running vertically, reads sideways, in reverse... gold type against blue background.

One final comment. Several Fools remarked here about "independent power supply" and it just whooshed over my head. But the body copy of this Shark ad says: Draws power from your computer; no wall outlet or power supply needed". NOW, the penny drops :)

Another page from Iomega's book. Don't confuse the consumer. Explain it in everyday terms.

Trust me, half those guys with laptops on that United flight need it spelled out. IMO, the Shark ad is very effective.

4+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Subj: Forbes article
Date: 27 Jun 1997 13:33:43 EDT
From: BBu84

Zip 100 ATAPI Specification Sheet

Operating Conditions

Temperature:

Operating: 10 to 51 C

Storage: -22 to 51 C

Shipping: -40 to 60 C

Relative humidity (non-condensing):

Operating: 20% to 80%

Non-operating: 10% to 90%

QuickSpecs -- Compaq LS-120 Drive

Operating Conditions

Temperature: 41 - 113F/5C - 45C

Humidity: 20% to 80% RH

Maximum Wet Bulb: 84F/29C

Just thought I'd post these specs. I didn't see any attribution or support for the Forbes statement that Zips are somehow less heat tolerant than LS-120. I don't know if the slimline 12.7mm Zip is less heat tolerant than the slim LS-120, but since the Forbes article didn't explain where this info came from, it is really hard to know if it is true. Regarding the fact that Roland dropped the Jaz in a keyboard (?) or all of it's keyboards (?) (Has Roland stopped using the drive altogether, or is the article's claim of Roland dropping the Jaz across its line false?): Somebody said this was because the design of the keyboard(s) was not ideal for the Jaz. Whatever. I don't know how Roland dropping the Jaz one or all of it's keyboards is supposed to demonstrate the Jaz's acceptance among computer-makers. The description of the Jaz recall seemed to imply that there was some inherent design flaw in the Jaz disk, when it was actually suplier's quality control problem. The notion that the LS-120 is a serious threat to the Zip seems ridiculous, given the moronic, self-destructive design of the LS-120. Is it really true that a cleaning kit would be included with the drive to remove particles of the disk from the reading head? Why didn't the article actually compare the speeds of a Zip to a LS-120? The parallel port Zip that I use is slow enough, thank you very much. I can't imagine people rushing out in droves to buy a far slower drive, but hey, that's me. Why didn't the article break down the sales figures for the Zip and the LS-120? Hmmm, I wonder. I'm confused. Somebody help me out here.

I know this is old news-just felt the need to ad my .000000002 cents.

5+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Subj: Re: SYQUEST GOING UP
Date: 27 Jun 1997 16:54:10 EDT
From: Skichang

Please go back to take a look Syquest's financial statement. The Gross Margin is negative. Can you name another company with negative Gross Margin? Do you know what it mean? It meant EZ 230 and EZ 135 production cost is much higher than selling price. It meant that Syquest should never manufacture EZ product at all. Are you sure the gross margin will suddenly improve 30% to 40% or 80 to 110%...

And why was their revenue drop 60% after they introduced EZ 230?

                    Qtr Ended  Qtr Ended    FYE
                    Mar-97     Dec-96    Sep-96
Net revenues       $16,786   $48,312    $200,407
Cost of revenues    30,051    37,267     248,693
Gross margin       -13,265    11,045      48,286
                    -79%        23%        -24%

From what I see, EZ 135 or EZ 230 drive/disks have to be priced at 50% more to break-even...

Apparently, all the increase in revenue are from China. First of all, I hope Syquest have L/C on those purchases. You don't know about China. I know them well. I will watch their A/R very carefully. What happen if China return those EZ drive or Syquest's forward looking financial forcast will be a big lawsuit for them.

In the ZIP/JAZ introduction period, Iomega has never run into negative gross margin. The lowest is 23% around 2 or 3 qtr of 95.

I can not say your statement about Iomega alone is incorrect. From what I see Syquest is simple a totally scr... up....

<< it might be worth noting that syquest's meteoric rise is based on a huge leap of 23/32 of a dollar. it doesn't take much for a virtual penny stock to move 38% (as of 3:30 EDT). it's also worth noting that syquest is still down from its 52-week high by about 70%. I am not ready to shift money from Iomega as many in the market seemed to have done today, but y'all go ahead. When Syquest can actually start banking some of this new money and applying it against its sterling (-)$7.20 EPS I might buy some stock as a hedge against Iomega and its meager 52 cents EPS -- that's plus, not minus -- and roughly 20-1 market share advantage over Syquest (based on 9 million ``solutions'' sold to Syquest's maybe 500k -- and yes it's fair to compare the whole Iomega product line against the EZ and the Flyer, because we're talking stock, not just machine-to-machine comparisons). >>

6+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Subj: Face/Off Zip Exposure
Date: 28 Jun 1997 00:27:02 EDT
From: VOICE 9

Nice full-screen Zip and disc shots in Paramount's Face/Off. Crucial data stored on disc for Travolta to view. Installs in a blue drive, logo 's there for the quick eyed. Real nice product placement by the prop department.

BTW, top drawer action pic. Guessing it'll do over 30 million this weekend. Forget Speed II, you want boats??, see this one!!!

Go Zip it.

7+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Subj: All The News That's Fit to Download
Date: 28 Jun 1997 01:14:24 EDT
From: IAmErgoSum

End of the week and/or month is always a good time to check the TechWeb site for news. Tonight was no exception.

______________________________

Computer Reseller:

June 30, 1997, Issue: 743

Gates/Arrow Distributing, Greenville, S.C., picked up Iomega Corp.'s line of storage applications, including Zip, Jaz and Ditto drives.

You can reach this article directly:

http://www.techweb.com/se/directlink.cgi?CRN19970630S0115

_______________________________

INFORMATION WEEK:

June 30, 1997, Issue: 637

<<It was a typical day in my office. I had just destroyed three Iomega Jaz cartridges by attempting to change their formatting directly from Macintosh to NTFS (Windows NT's file system). Don't try this at home-it will ruin the cartridge. Always format it as a DOS FAT file system first and then format it as NTFS using the "Quick Format" option.>>

You can reach this article directly:

http://www.techweb.com/se/directlink.cgi?IWK19970630S0043

_______________________

HOME PC:

Jun 27, 1997

July 01, 1997, Issue: 407

To see a group of hardware products we think will help your business, read the profiles below.

NEC Ready Office 1715 -- The Ready Office 1715 comes with nearly everything an entrepreneur needs in a PC. From a speedy 166-MHz Pentium MMX processor and 32 megabytes of EDO DRAM to a built-in 100-MB Iomega Zip drive and an American Power Conversion Back-UPS Office uninterruptible power supply, this computer is a solid performer.

<snip>

IBM ThinkPad 560

<snip>

The ThinkPad 560 doesn't sport an internal floppy drive or a built-in CD-ROM drive, but its wireless infrared port lets you swap files with another PC using an infrared interface-or you can use the included external floppy drive.

<snip>

Iomega Jaz -- Small-business owners who spend lots of time working outside the office will love Iomega's Jaz drive. It uses removable 3.5-inch, 1-GB cartridges (which come in a three-pack for $267) that make it easy to carry information on the road and transport large amounts of data between computers-yours and your client's, for instance. You can purchase as many cartridges as you like to achieve virtually unlimited capacity when you need extra storage space or convenient backup.

You can reach this article directly:

http://www.techweb.com/se/directlink.cgi?HPC19970701S0055

______________________________________

WINDOWS MAGAZINE:

July 01, 1997, Issue: 807

<<We reviewed a pair of 233MHz P55C systems this month, from Dell and Gateway 2000. These powerful systems, equipped with excellent components, large hard disks and 32MB of RAM, are worth a close look.

Dell Dimension XPS M233s

The engineers and product managers at Dell have been on a roll for several months now, and the company's new offering continues the streak. This is a very well-equipped system: 32MB of SDRAM, 512KB of level 2 pipeline-burst cache, a Matrox Millennium II video adapter with 8MB of RAM, a 6.4GB (nominal) IBM EIDE hard disk and a built-in Iomega Zip drive.>>

You can reach this article directly:

http://www.techweb.com/se/directlink.cgi?WIN19970701S0093

____________________________

WINDOWS MAGAZINE

July 1, 1997

Feature Article:

Storage to Go

(MUST READ WHOLE THING)

http://www.techweb.com/se/directlink.cgi?WIN19970701S0133

Regards,

Bill Polk

8+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Subj: OEM Push?
Date: 28 Jun 1997 02:13:10 EDT
From: Waverunner

In the JP Morgan conference call, KE stated that so far the Zip sales have been driven by consumer pull.

I know many feel that Sony as an OEM is a non-event, and I must admit that I am extremely biased torwards Sony for personal reasons. In the many channel checks that I've made at retail, Sony has prominent product placement and exposure for their PC's. Advertisements for Circuit City and Best Buy often feature Sony Vaio. Maybe because sales are poor, although Sony has expressed satisfaction with the progress they've made.

Come July, when the new Sony models hit the stores, IMO Zip will get a good boost from Sony push. For a little preview: Sony Computing Products: VAIO Tower and Noteb...They highlight the features of the two new models as "Intel Pentium processor with MMX Technology, 4.3 GB hard drive, and a 100 MB Zip Drive" Sony has included the Zip in 100% of their new line, and it is now standard on 50% of the models they offer(OK, only four models). Even if a consumer has no plans to purchase a Sony, awareness of Sony endorsement of Zip technology will benefit the acceptance of Zip as an important part of the digital future.

For a better look at the new top of the line PCV-150: Sony Computing Products: PCV-150

While checkin the Sony site I also came across: Sony Media & Energy -- ZIP 100MB Disks It is interesting that Sony offers a "full lifetime warranty" on Zip disks. They must be pretty confident about the reliability.

I also came across this:

<< "Cool Stuff Or $15.00 Rebate "

Sony invented the 3.5" Micro Floppy Disk, and continues to innovate with added value. When you purchase a specially marked pack of 50 floppy disks, you can choose your rebate. Which would you prefer to receive in the mail -- a $15.00 check OR a Sony cap and Sony sunglasses OR Sony Style Magazine and Sony sunglasses ? Which option fits your lifestyle ? Sony -- Hot Technology with Cool Stuff Or a $15.00 rebate. >>

Sony recently celebrated their one billionth floppy disk. Wonder why they wouldn't want to squeeze the last bit of mileage out of the floppy by going with the other drive?

Finally, something else I came across at: Not just the Internet, but the future.

<< With the Sony Internet Terminal, you can enjoy Internet websites with sharp, flicker-free picture quality and digital stereo sound. Plus the simple remote control menu allows you to easily navigate with One Thumb Browsing technology.

But this is just the beginning. Sony has designed the WebTV Internet Terminal to provide even more advanced benefits. There's a WebTV Port connector for use with printers, cable modems and other future products. As well as a built-in "smart card" slot for shopping, banking and other transactions in the future.

The Sony Internet Terminal.

Just one more way that Sony is Defining the Digital Future. >>

Could we be looking at the possibility of using a smart card to download the latest Robert Ludlum or Tom Clancy novel to a removable storage disk which could then be read offline? Or could Bill Gates have a notion to "sell" artwork from his library through WebTV, to be stored on a removable storage disk? He must have seen some potential to make the purchase. What about music, film, and old tv shows, vast libraries of which Sony has acquired?

So far, Iomega products have been the choice of the vast majority of removable storage consumers. The market for digital storage is exploding. Plenty of room for several companies to succeed.

9+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Subj: The Iomega i Can! Club
Date: 28 Jun 1997 05:31:07 EDT
From: NSACORAF

That's right gang. Check out Global Computer Supplies newest Catalog Page 3 (6 page foldout brochure) with the magazine adressee's name and address with the following message:

"Congratulations! You have been selected as the ideal candidate for charter membership in the Iomega i Can! Club. From now until August 15,1997, when you purchase $100 or more of Iomega branded products through Global Computer Supplies, you will be automatically enrolled in the Iomega i Can! Club for one year. As a charter member you'll receive the Iomega i Can! Club Welcome Kit with your order. The Welcome Kit includes:

* Iomega i Can! Club Coupon Book:

Jam packed with more than $750 in special offers and valuable discounts on computer products, airline tickets, car rentals, health & fitness products.

* Iomega i Can! Club Button.

Plus, the first 300 customers who enroll through Global Computer Supplies will receive a limited edition, Iomega i Can! Club T-shirt.

As a member of the Iomega i Can! Club, you'll also get future editions of DOWNLOAD (tm). Each issue will include special offers on Iomega products and exciting product bundles. The premier issue od DOWNLOAD is included (see reverse side) to give you a taste of what's to come.... Call 1-800-845-6225"

The balance of the first page has a Free Jaz Jet SCSI card adapter with the purchase of a Jaz drive and 4 Jaz disks: Jaz Insider, 4 disks, 16 bit ISA SCSI card or 32 bit PCI SCSI card: $698.80; Jaz External, 4 disks, 16 ISA SCSI card or 32 bit PCI SCSI card $798.80.

The next page show Free Full Version of Corel Draw with purchase of a Zip drive SCSI or Parallel & Zip disk 10 pack- i Can Special Price $298.95 Price after Mail-In Rebate $278.95

The 3 page fold out is the DOWNLOAD issue with KE's photo and message, pohoto of Zip and Jaz Traveler, and statements like "Zurf the Net" and "More Zmart ways to Zip" and "call Zipple or Zapple" and asmall article on "Children Speak Out Via Zip-Across America."

A list that offer built-in Iomega drives:

Apple Compute,Inc.      Z
Compaq Computer Corp.   Z
Dell Computer Corp.     Z
Gateway 2000            Z,D, J
Hewlett Packard Co.     Z
IBM                     Z
Micron Electronics,Inc. Z,D, J
MicroNet Technology     Z
Motorola Computer Gp.   Z
NEC Corp.               Z
Packard-Bell            Z
Power Computing         Z, J
Rorke Data & Glyph Tech.  J
Roland Corp.            J
UMAX Comp.Corp.         Z
Unisys Corp.            Z

icaninput@iomega.com for cool stories about use of your Zi[ that you want to send by E-mail."

The last page is ads for Jaz Insider drives $299 Ext. $399, Zip SCSI,Internal, or parallel $149. and Ditto drives."

Call them and have them send you a catalog, so you can read it in detail.

10++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Subj: Zip Disk Organizers
Date: 28 Jun 1997 19:08:27 EDT
From: Lurker439

I’ve always thought that one indication of the Zip drive’s emergence as a standard in removable storage would be the creation of specialized produces (by companies other than Iomega) to hold and organize zip disks. Now Kensington, a company known for producing high quality computer accessories, has produced two new media organizers -- one for general multimedia items (CDs, zip disks, 3.5" diskettes, etc.), and one that is designed just for

zip disks.

see --> http://www.kensington.com/products/qt_frames.html

<< "Keeps popular media at your fingertips. . .

"You can always use a little more space on your desktop. Kensington presents two media organizers that also double as handy speaker stands. QuickTrieve™ for multimedia offers a convenient and attractive way to store all popular media such as CDs, zip disks, 3.5" diskettes, and more. QuickTrieve for zip disks offers similar functionality but is designed specially for zip disks. Both storage units offer distinctive styling, and are topped by a cushioned pad to hold your desktop speakers up and out of the way. QuickTrieve for multimedia and QuickTrieve for zip disks organize your media for fast, easy access.

"QuickTrieve for multimedia holds 16 CDs, 18 zip disks, 64 3.5" diskettes or any combination of the above QuickTrieve for zip disks stores nine zip disks."

11++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Subj: Article on Removable Storage
Date: 28 Jun 1997 21:14:11 EDT
From: DaleVelk

The July 1, 97 Issue of Windows Magazine has a review of all of the removable storage devices.

July 1 Windows Magazine on Removable Storage

Or:

http://www.techweb.com/se/directlink.cgi?WIN19970701S0133

Lots of interesting stuff, they did have this to say on the topic of using regular 1.44 floppies in an LS 120 drive

<< The a:drive is slow compared to the other drives we tested (1.3MBps, as opposed to around 9MBps). Its three-pass write sequence makes it even slower than a standard floppy disk drive when you're using a 1.44MB floppy disk (0.12MBps for the a:drive vs. 0.27MBps for a standard floppy disk drive). But pop in one of its 120MB floppy disks and the a:drive leaves the floppy disk drive in the dust, surpassing its speed almost fivefold (see the chart "The a:drive vs. the Floppy") >>

So, if I have read this correctly the IDE LS-120 is 2.25X's slower than a regular 1.44 floppy drive when writing regular floppy disks, and runs at about the same speed as a parallel ZIP when using LS-120 media which is about 4X slower than an equivalent IDE Zip drive.

12++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Subj: TAC Systems JazzBand
Date: 29 Jun 1997 14:06:23 EDT
From: AuntArctic

TAC Systems has just announced a new Jaz product called the "LanRedi JazzBand" which utilizes 7 Jaz drives. Very handsome and sleek, athough a bit pricey at $6199.

The JazzBand may be viewed at:

http://www.tacsystems.com or LANRedi JazzBand networked jaz drive tower

From TAC Systems:

"The LANRedi JazzBand integrates a built-in server ready to attach to a Windows 95 or NT Network with 7 Iomega Jaz drives. The JazzBand gives you 7 Gigabytes of removable storage for a truly open-ended storage solution. Just connect your 10Base-T Ethernet cable into the back of the tower for near instant access. The JazzBand recognizes TCP/IP which allows it to be connected directly to the Internet."

There is also a smaller version with 4 Jaz drives available. I imagine that products like these might use quite a few disks! ;-)

_______________________________

End Report. Posts covered through 10:00pm ET 6/29/97.

_______________________________

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