You'd be amazed at how fast the new drives are getting. I'm seeing transfer rates of around 1.2-1.5 GB/minute on the LTO2 units (at least when they're directly connected to the machine with the storage array on it). I think SDLTs are similar.

BTW, (don't work for them or anything) Breece Hill is relatively affordable in terms of autoloaders, and they have a 3 year advance replacement warranty. Which I will probably get to take advantage of tomorrow. Sigh.

I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!