The Disk Drive is a common Mass Data storage from the 80's.
Alongside other technologies :
- ROM used in Cartridges or Hardwired... Faster but so expensive.
- Cassettes. Awfully slowler and not that reliable.
In modern day, the Cassette port can easily be replaced by any modern audio device : MP3 or CD readers.
Amstrad 464 (Plus or OLD) lack the extra ROM sofware and Disc Controller needed to use a Disk Drive. That's why external Disk Drive for CPC include such ROM.
Despite this, Disk are one of the easiest way to read softwares on Amstrad 8 bits, especially 6128 or 664 models.
The most common trick is to use a 3"1/2 disk drive, as this is the easier to find nowadays. You can even replace the 3" dick drive from a 6128+ with a proper 3"1/2 disk drive, by filing some plastic.
Abbreviations in French :
- K7 = cassettes ("Ka Sept")
- D7 = Diskettes ("Dé Sept")
Existing models
Alternative technologies
- Virtual disk Drive : cards emulating Disk Drives, using modern Flash memories or USB connection to a PC