Coastal Micro Supply

Full review
We needed a tape drive to replace our old one, but were not ready to buy the rack-mount tape library until all of the servers have been migrated. So as an interim solution we settled on a TSL-A300 Autoloader. The online product catalog showed as new, with normal manufacturer’s warranty. The salesperson said that the units were purchased from Sony as part of special deal, but they were new. So I ordered it.

The unit looked used with scratches on the case, but the salesperson insisted it should be new. I double-checked their website. He took my phone number and said he’d call me right back after he checked with the warehouse. I have him 24 hours. Of course, I had to call him the next day. He said the warehouse assured him that my unit was new and that all other units in stock were new.

After much haggling, they shipped another unit, which too was supposed to be new. It was not either. Aside from the scratches on the cases indicating that it was probably not new, the manufacturer told me that the unit should have specific stickers on it if it were new, which neither unit did. If it breaks down before we can migrate to the rack mounted servers and tape library, Sony won't warranty the unit.

I kept the second unit because it was only a temporary (six-month) solution, I was obviously not getting anywhere and I didn't have more time to spend on this issue, but I'll never buy from them again. I do not recommend buying from this company.