3M DC 2120 120MB Mini Data Cartridge

The 3M DC 2120 120MB Mini Data Cartridge is a magnetic tape cartridge used for data backup in computer systems. It belongs to the QIC (Quarter-Inch Cartridge) tape format, which was popular in the 1980s and 1990s.

Main Features:

• Media Type: Magnetic tape (QIC format)
• Capacity: 120MB (uncompressed; some drives supported compression to increase capacity)
• Size: Mini cartridge format (DC 2120 type)
• Usage: Backup and data storage for personal computers and small servers
• Compatibility: Used in tape drives from Colorado Memory Systems, Iomega, HP, and others
• Manufacturer: 3M (later under the Imation brand)

History & Significance:

• This format was widely used in the 1990s as a backup solution for home and office computers.
• It was more reliable than floppy disks and had a larger capacity than typical hard drives of that era.
• Although slower than hard drives, tape storage was known for its long-term reliability and archival capabilities.

Current Status:

• This format is obsolete, replaced by external HDDs, SSDs, and cloud storage.
• You can still find 3M DC 2120 cartridges on sites like eBay, but they are mostly collector's items or used in legacy systems.