I have used and worked on both the Bio-Rad and Akta systems. It is
really a matter of opinion, but they both get the job done.
Exterior:
The Akta systems look nice with metal exteriors while the Bio-Rads look
a little cheap being plastic. Both are really heavy, though.
Interior:
Once you take the covers off to do work on either systems the main
components are metal on both systems. The systems are pretty simple on
the insides, basically a pump and valves. Replacing the seals in either
system was simple. I think the only tool required was a #2 Philips screw
driver. If I remember correctly, the seals were between $50-100 for
either system (which I thought was a lot for rubber seals).
Software:
The Akta software is complex, but once you figure out how to use all the
submenus and screens it isn't a big deal, although it is more tedious to
setup users and runs, initially. The Bio-Rad software is very simple and
easy to use right out of the box but doesn't offer as many tools, which
some people don't care about anyway.
Summary:
Parts are expensive for both systems, but I found it easier to find the
parts for the Bio-Rad. I think they support older systems for longer
periods of time. The Atka was much more expensive for columns, but we
bought adaptors and could use the Bio-Rad columns on either system. I
think the Bio-Rad columns were almost half the price, and the run plots
looked the same.
Reliability for both systems was pretty good as long as they are taken
care of and kept clean. The Bio-Rad components feel cheaper and simpler
since they are plastic (at least on the outside), but I never noticed
any difference in longevity. The key is to keep the systems clean!
I think their preventative maintenance/service is just changing the
filters, seals, and UV light. We didn't buy the expensive UV bulbs until
they burned out without ill effects. The UV bulbs had a much shorter
life span when the systems resided in a cold room. You may be able to
find a Bio-Rad or Akta system at your university surplus supply
warehouse. I have found 2 there before and they both worked fine. We
used them for parts since they were missing a few key pieces.
Jon
--
Jonathan P. Schuermann, Ph. D.
Beamline Scientist
NE-CAT, Building 436E
Advanced Photon Source (APS)
Argonne National Laboratory
9700 South Cass Avenue
Argonne, IL 60439
email: schue...@anl.gov
Tel: (630) 252-0682
Fax: (630) 252-0687
