23 Jan
2023
23 Jan
'23
7:24 p.m.
On Mon, Jan 23, 2023 at 11:14 AM Mike Stein via cctalk <
cctalk(a)classiccmp.org> wrote:
I offered some 8" diskettes a while back and
didn't have a single inquiry,
and there doesn't seem to be a real shortage of other sizes either if you
don't mind sorting through used ones; even paper and mylar tape seem to
still be available.
True, eBay always has blank media, lots of it new-old stock still in the
shrinkwrap. I have a pile of such myself.
When it comes to parts I often read complaints that a certain IC or part is
unobtainium when a quick look on ebay or even Amazon
will find a dozen
listings; some people get satisfaction from finding parts or documentation
that no one else could and sharing with the community.
A lot of that apparently is fake Chinesium, so it's somewhat misleading.
As to the reliability of mechanical devices, again, to
each his/her own;
what is a frustrating experience for someone trying to get something done
is an opportunity for someone else to repair it and get that satisfaction.
At least, unlike some mysterious custom IC you can see what the problem is
and repair it.
I prefer using the original hardware myself, but I do enjoy the convenience
of modern high-capacity memory drives and emulators.
Sellam