Tape Drive recommendations

[jayhawk88]

So the edict comes down from the Boss today: find a tape drive I can throw in a desktop machine. We've got a "problem" department that basically insists on doing things there own way, and they want a tape drive in one of their machines, despite the fact we have a network for these kinds of things. Without going into too many details, the decision has been made to comply with the request, despite any number of better solutions.

So here's what I'm looking at: I need a good, reliable tape drive in the 4 gig backup range, preferrably with very easy-to-use backup software. Internal drive needed, preferrably IDE. Despite the speed boost, we don't want to go SCSI, as that's just one more thing that could go wrong in the machine. The machine's pretty bare-bones right now, with only 1 HD and a CDRom on the IDE ports, so isolating the drive is an option.

Right now I'm leaning towards an HP/Colorado model of some sort, but I've had people tell me they're dog slow. Which may be a moot point, as we might end up setting them up an automatic nightly backup thing, but this kinda depends on what the department wants. Anyway, any and all recommendations/testimonials/horror stories greatly appreciated.

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Somebody set up us the GPF!

[cyberhh]

Have had good luck with the IOMEGA

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Death is lighter than a feather - duty heavier than a mountian.

[Sowulo]

Seagate 8 or 10Gb IDE should be $188-$250. Backs up 60Mb per minute and comes with software for all versions of Windows.

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Ya never know, ya know?

[kannibul]

Nothing that isnt scsi, and still in the 4gb range.
have to go with DAT or DLT, which is scsi.

[Sorry_I_Win]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by kannibul:
Nothing that isnt scsi, and still in the 4gb range.
have to go with DAT or DLT, which is scsi.</font>

WTF you talking about?

Give this a look. Onstream ECHO30 30GB ATAPI (IDE) sells for $169 + 15 shipping. That doesn't include a tape though. With a tape the price is $205. It also transfers at 60MB/min (3.6GB/hr)

You can buy it at www.compuplus.com (http://www.compuplus.com)

http://www.compuplus.com/insidepage.php3?sid=f288w18zdxmo4t2&id=493

[xsrvx]

My previous experience with HP tape drives have been nothing but trouble.
I agree with the other person on the Seagate 8 or 10Gb IDE. They are a bit noisy but they will do what you want and they come with software.
I would personally use a scsi dat but thats me.