Poll - Floppy drive types

[Ganz-hun]

I was wondering, while I was cleaning my IIcx FDD, trying to get it working. Which one do you prefer, and why?

In my oppinion, the Auto-inject drives are the most satisfying, and have excellent sound.

 

[Unknown_K]

Auto-inject if they work.

 

[CC_333]

I like Auto-Inject drives because they're easy to service (and I know them inside and out, which makes it even easier).

Manual-eject drives, on the other hand, mystify me. They shouldn't, but they do.

c

 

[BadGoldEagle]

I like the old 400k ones. I know they're a pain in the butt to fix, but I have three of those now working perfectly fine. LOVE the sound they make.

My second favorite is the Auto-eject 800k or 1.44meg. 

I don't understand why manual eject drives were ever a thing though. I mean in the 5 ¼ inch days - yes - but I don't understand why Apple switched from Auto-eject to Manual-eject 3.5 inch FDDs in the 90s... Why? Auto-Eject drives are way better! Maybe I'm missing on something...

 

[rsolberg]

I think you've got inject and eject mixed up. All Mac internal floppy drives have auto eject: the system commands the drive to eject the floppy. Only earlier drives have auto inject: when inserting a floppy, the diskette is pulled in and seated electromechanically once it's been inserted most of the way. Manual inject drives require the disk be pushed in all the way, then a spring pulls it down to seat it.

 

[Unknown_K]

Auto-inject are more expensive and Apple was the only one using them.

 

[unity]

Well I prefer auto-inject, which the 400k is, but I picked 400k cause I love the noise and red led.

 

[bibilit]

Auto inject, when they work...

Many of them are not ejecting anymore due to a small gear disintegrating, i know that small gear is now 3d printed again.

Also, many of them are not reading properly anymore (mostly the 800 k) probably a head's trouble.

The 400 k is nice also, mainly because they produce that specific sound, i have been fooled by two of them not reading properly, then discovered they will not work without the floppy drive shroud/support (apparently the display is interfering with the drive otherwise)

Powerbook ones are nice also.

Manual-inject, i only have a few, not in computers anymore.

 

[Ganz-hun]

Thanks for the replies.