the
Apple floppy disk subsystem wasn't as solid as one might have
hoped.
??? whaddya mean not solid? The ONLY problem I've seen is issues related to
when one drive is out of alignment and as a result, may or may not be able to
read disks from another drive. The disk ][ was simple, clever and RELIABLE.
Please quantify your statement!
I have to agree with Dick. Simple and clever, yes, but Disk ][ was not all
that bullet proof. The mechanism was reliable. I rarely recall failure of
the mechanism. But I certainly recall disks being rendered unreadable by
leaving a disk in the drive when powering down. Lifetimes of frequently used
disks were on order of months, even if the disks were write protected.
Later Disk ][ drives didn't seem to have as many problems. I assume there
was some modification to the circuitry to prevent stray currents in the heads
and to clamp surges on power down. The problems resurfaced in some //c internal
drives. I don't recall having any problems with the Apple 5.25 (plastic case,
D connector) drives.
I don't recall having as many problems with drives on other systems with the
exception of a Kaypro that would wipe most any disk over the course of a
couple hours. I only had access to the one Kaypro, so I don't know if the
problem was widespread.
Eric
