Acomdata - RocketPod - 120gb External

tadpole wrote on 7/23/2003, 9:13 PM
Check it out...
Just picked up a new external 120 gb - 7200 rpm external USB 2 drive.
at Best buy for $249.
Called the "RocketPod" from a company called Acomdata

I initally went in to buy another 120 GB Maxtor 3000LE -5,400rpm (i have 3 already, and never had a problem with any)

This drive caught my attention though - its stackable (and pretty cool design, small and sleek)

Stackable meaning you buy another one, and you just plop it on top of the other one (via a connector on top of drive)... This means of course i won't need another set of power cables and usb cord/port if i buy another drive down the road.
(running out of ports with my 3 maxtor usb drives!)

Everything sounds great!!!
But.. really never heard of this company Acomdata...
Looks like they are just starting up... not much at all on web (even their website) about em..

Anyone have experience with this drive/company before i remove the shrink wrap and give it a whirl?

thanks!

Comments

tadpole wrote on 7/24/2003, 1:35 AM
Well.. couldn't wait for feedback.. installed it tonight.

Simple install (plugged it in)

After reading manual, i can stack up to 3 drive before i have to add an additional power cable.. you can stack up to 5 drives without adding a new USB cable.

So far, i would recommend this drive to all looking to add space and short on USB ports.

PS - apparently they will have a new device coming out soon, called the 'A/VPod'
which is a little device (size of like a walkman) that allows you to watch digital videos/photos stored on your harddrive directly to your TV.. EVEN hook up to your stereo system to drive for a 120gigs of MP3s!!

me likey!
tadpole wrote on 7/24/2003, 3:34 PM
Ok..... PROBLEM

This drive is dropping frames left and right - cannot even capture a playable clip.

Any recommendations for FREE diagnostic software to test read/write performance?
(other than HDTach, as i don't have $49 to spend)

thanks
Jsnkc wrote on 7/24/2003, 4:05 PM
I don't have any reccomendations on that, but I do have access to a shrink wrapping machine in case you need it :)
tadpole wrote on 7/24/2003, 4:19 PM
LOL.. thanks...

Got a copy of HD Tach from a friend.
Here are the results
(NOTE- DISCLAIMER: i am no means an expert on benchmarking nor took any scientific steps before running HD tach on this drive - Slow performance may have to do with my USB connection. or applications open when i ran it ect )

RocketPod:
Read Speed max 750 Kps, min 744kbs average 744kps
Write Speed max 710.kps, min 695kps, average 706.5 kps
Read burst .9mbps - Random Access Tim 10.5ms

In comparison, a read test (couldn't perform write test without losing data) on my 5400 maxtor 5000LE drive
Read Speed max 14926 Kps, min 11778kbs average 14551 kps
Read burst 15.7mbps - Random Access Tim 11ms

ANyone know the minimum write speeds you need to capture video?
BrianStanding wrote on 7/24/2003, 4:47 PM
Try this utility:

ftp://www.canopus.com/pub/drivers/raptest.exe

Run it on your disk. If it shows green, you're good to go for DV. Yellow is marginal. Red is dropped frame city.