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                  LS-120 MB DISKETTE TECHNOLOGY FACT SHEET
                                      
     * LS-120 MB Diskette technology is a new diskette technology
       standard that enables users to store 120 MB of data on a single,
       3.5-inch diskette.
     * 120 MB represents an increase of more than 80 times the current
       capacity of the standard 1.44 MB diskette.
     * LS-120 technology is read/write backward-compatible to the
       installed base of more than 5 billion 1.44 MB and 720 KB
       DOS-formatted diskettes. It is fully supported by Windows 95 and
       Windows NT operating systems.
     * LS-120 technology delivers up to five times the performance of
       standard 1.44 diskette technology, and it reads and writes 1.44 MB
       diskettes up to three times faster than existing 1.44MB drives.
     * LS-120 technology increases user productivity. Users can:
          + Transport large files on a single diskette
          + Store work-in-progress files on a single diskette including
            graphics, photos and presentations
          + Save color, sound and motion files without compression
          + Store and retrieve fax images, e-mail and phone messages
          + Save hard disk space
       
     * LS-120 technology was developed by Compaq Computer Corporation,
       Matsushita-Kotoboki Industries, Ltd. (MKE), 3M, and OR Technology
       (parent company of Optics Research, Inc.).
       
   LS-120 Technology Versus Standard Diskette Technology
   
   While the LS-120 diskettes and drives look much the same as standard
   1.44 MB diskettes and drives, the technical differences are
   substantial. A comparison of key specifications follows:
   
                                  CAPTION:
                    Specifications: LS-120: Standard HD:
                                      
                     Formatted Capacity 120 MB 1.44 MB
             Transfer Rate (max. sustained) 565KB/sec 62KB/sec
                     Average Seek Time 70 msec 84 msec
                       Track Density 2490 tpi 135 tpi
                 Number of Tracks 1736 x 2 sides 80x2 sides
                   Disk Rotational Speed 720 rpm 300 rpm
                   Power Consumption +5V, 1.5W +5V, 1.2W
                                      
   LS-120 Technology -- A Look Inside
   
   LS-120 technology achieves advancements in capacity and performance by
   employing a unique combination of proven optical and magnetic
   technologies.
   
   LS-120 technology places laser servo tracks (hence the "LS"
   designation) on each diskette that are both written and read by a
   laser system. A precise servo pattern is permanently etched onto the
   LS-120 diskette media in tracks, sometimes called optical tracks. This
   laser etching is done at the factory and cannot be accidentally erased
   by an end user.
   
   When a 3M LS-120 Diskette is inserted into an LS-120 drive, an optical
   sensor detects a laser beam to locate the optical track and give the
   read/write head precise positioning information. This method enables
   advanced data track densities of 2,490 tracks per inch versus 135
   tracks per inch for a 1.44 MB diskette.
   
   Data tracks are written and read magnetically. The LS-120 drive
   features a dual gap head that enables it to read and write both LS-120
   diskettes and standard 1.44 MB diskettes. The drive also spins the
   media at a higher speed than other diskettes, resulting in faster data
   access times and transfer rates. The 1.44 MB diskettes do not gain
   additional capacity when used in an LS-120 drive, although the faster
   rotational speed allows the LS-120 drive to read and write a 1.44 MB
   diskette up to three times faster than standard drives.
   
   To support the high data density, the 3M LS-120 Diskette features
   higher coercivity (metal particle) pigment and advanced dual layer
   coating technology. The media is coated onto a thin (.0025 inch vs.
   .003 inch for 1.44 MB diskettes) polyethylene terathalate (PET)
   substrate for better head-to-media contact. The diskette also uses
   precision-engineered components such as a new stainless steel shutter
   and advanced hub for improved reliability. A sturdy, molded ABS shell
   provides superior protection for the media.
   
   All 3M LS-120 Diskettes are factory formatted to save users' time and
   provide a consistent format for data exchange.
   
   
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