Re: Smartport driver for superdrive?

[jhack@unixg.ubc.ca (Jeremy Hack)]

David Empson (dempson@actrix.gen.nz) wrote:
: JB <jbcole@ix.netcom.com> wrote:

: > Shreve still has some of their Univesal disk controller cards for $79.95
: > that will work with the Superdrive!

: If they are really "Universal Disk Controller" cards, then using one
: with a SuperDrive won't achieve very much: the SuperDrive will act just
: like an Apple 3.5 Drive, and will only be able to access 400K and 800K
: disks.

: -- 
: David Empson

Actually, they _are_ the Apple II 3.5 Disk Controller Cards (aka 
SuperDrive Cards, made by Apple).  I just bought one (for $79), and was 
very impressed by Shreve Systems in all respects. The card came with the 
original shrink-wrapped manual and the installer disk.  Now, I just need 
to find a SuperDrive...

BTW, I've noticed disk operation to be faster with the 800k drive plugged 
into the card instead of the GS' SmartPort.  Two things immediately 
jumped out: 
	-  When inserting a "Preformatted (IBM)" blank disk, the delay 
	   before the Initialize/Eject dialog pops up is _much_ less. 
	-  Also, when formatting a disk and moving the mouse around, the 
	   cursor is not jerky like it was without the card.  

(The drive also isn't polled while booting off the hard drive anymore, either).