>I just acquired an Apple IIgs (thanks Rich!) and am anxious to try it out. I
>have downloaded the system software from the Apple site but an unsure how to
>go about making 800K disks for use on the IIgs as none of my local computer
>stores stock 800K floppies. Is it possible to cover over the hole that tells
>the drive that it is a HD disk and format it as an 800K disk? Will the 800K
>drive on the IIgs be able to read it? Or do I have to find a source for real
>800K media?
I have used HDs as DDs before (specifically on the Mac, so it is relivant
to your situation, as it is dealing with going from 1.4 to 800 or 400k).
I can tell you that it does work, but not reliably. The data seems to
fail over time, not so much length of time, but read/write time.
Unfortuantly, the length varies greatly (and seems format dependant, not
disk dependant). Sometimes they work for a dozen or so uses, other times
they might work for 100 or so. Once they start to fail, reformatting them
seems to refresh the usability. I have learned that it simply isn't
reliable enough except to use for short term temporary work.
HOWEVER, the good news is, MEI Micro still seems to sell DD disks. They
only sell them in a 500 pack for $50, which is kind of a bummer, but at
least they can be bought. You can find them on MEI's web site (but not in
their print catalog) at
http://www.mei-microcenter.com. I have used their
floppy disks in the past and have never had any problems with them. Last
time I bought their disks, I believe they were actually generic labeled
Sony's, but that was some years ago, and I would guess they get their's
from lowest cost suppliers, so that might have changed by now.
-chris
<
http://www.mythtech.net>
Received on Mon Sep 24 2001 - 23:02:35 BST