>Hi,
>
>We are interested in purchasing a new MALDI-TOF instrument and would
>appreciate any recommendations/input on the different models available.
>We plan to use the instrument for analysis of proteins, peptides, peptide
>digests, and oligosaccharides. Our primary considerations are instrument
>reliability, ease of use of the software, service quality and applications
>and technical support offered by the vendor.
>
>Thanks
Dear Tom,
I only have experience with one instrument, a PE-Biosystems DE-RP. Here is
my summary:
Applications: It works great for proteins, peptides, digests and
carbohydrates. So, it is versitale and functions well for those
applications.
Reliability: After a few minor problems the first few months, our
instrument has performed nearly problem free for over two years. We did
have to replace a source turbo vacuum pump recently but that seems normal.
The weakest link in the system was the software but that has now been taken
care of.
Software: The original control software for the instrument running under
Win 3.1 was archaic but functional. We recently upgraded to the Win NT
which is wonderful and a major improvement over the original version.
Service quality: I believe that the field service engineers of
PE-biosystems are outstanding. They are busy but when they get to the lab,
everything gets fixed quickly. I never had to wait more than a week for
service and usually it is less than that.
Technical support: You will not find a more dedicated group of technical
application scientists who than those of PE-biosystems. They are incredibly
helpful and supportive before AND after the sale.
These are my opinions.
Chris
***********************************
Christian R. Lombardo, PhD
Director, Molecular Analysis Facility
The Burnham Institute
10901 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 646-3100 x3627
crl@burnham-inst.org
***********************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Aug 18 2000 - 07:56:58 EDT