DLT versus 4mm versus Travan: Pros and cons please

[Kwad Guy]

OK, I have amassed a little collection of tape drives.
I have a DLT 4000 autoloader (20/40Gb per tape),
some Seagate Scorpions (DDS-3, 12/24Gb per tape), and
a couple of Travan NS20 drives (TR-5, 10/20Gb per tape).
(Don't ask why I have accumulated such a collection!)

I'm looking to backup my home computers. My question:
What are the pros and cons of each type of drive. I know
the DLT is the fastest, as well as most convenient because
it's an autoloader. But what about reliability, post-storage
tape failures, stability of tapes upon reuse, tape price,
etc...

Any suggestions?

Kwad

 

[Vincent]

When I was trying to come up with a backup strategy for my home system I asked around here but didn't get much of a response. I ended up getting an Ecrix 33/66GB drive when they were offering a 50 percent discount.

One useful discussion I found was from the PC Technology Guide:
http://www.pctechguide.com/15tape.htm