Hi Scott,
the point I'm trying to make is that if the data transfer time is only 10% of the total backup and restore time (because the rest is all hard disk time at both ends), then a 50% improvement only in that 10% does not make much difference to the total time.

It is done file by file so that the custom scripts and other feautures are up to date if you abort half way, and you can do selective updates, and auto selective backups of just files that are new since the last backup. You could do it other ways but with pros and cons in the features resulting.

But usb is far superior just from the point of view of pc resourses, and no conflict problems with other gear. I've been asked to write a booklet for the Techmanager and have described how to get the parallel port working no matter what other parallel drivers may be loaded.

Roll on usb...(preferably usb2! perfect for data transfer from hard disk to hard disk)

Yes, your Technics distribution scenario in the States has been described to me on many occasions in many mails from Stateside owners. Here it is the other way round, Ketron is not easy to find, the support and backup is poor, and General Music loses their distributor every few years, as various firms play musical chairs picking up the brand. Some even go bust. This does not help long term support if you are not on the net and technically clued up. Yamaha is everywhere from white goods shops to the shopping channnel, but Technics still tend to be concentrated in music shops.

The manufactures will not tell you their sales figures, these are top secret!
In the first year of release the 6000 consistently had the majority of the market against all keyboards in the similar price band - not just the 9000, but all the competition combined, according to the British Music Fair at the time. It was keyboard of the year 2001, and now still sells remarkably well according to anecdotal evidence from various dealers I have contact with. I believe it is the most successful keyboard they ever made.