Q-TOF Vendor Comparability

[gckiv]

Hi All,

We've (finally) narrowed our options for a Q-TOF purchase and are going with one of these systems (for intact protein analysis, some peptide, oligo and small molecule analysis, and lots of peptide mapping in a regulated QC lab):

1) ABI Q-Star Elite
2) Agilent 6510 Q-TOF
3) Waters / Micromass Q-TOF

We'll have a UPLC or a cap-flow Agilent 1200 on the front end. The biggest factor here is cost....the Waters system is much pricier, but the performance and reputation is is supposed to be "unparalleled".

ABI is the low bidder and Agilent is willing to match. However, I've heard that the ABI software is a little "buggy" and it doesn't feature the accurate mass capability of the other 2 (unless you design a post-column addition of calibrant for real-time calibration). It is also not yet compatable with the UPLC.

Since Agilent's the new kid on the block, we're not certain about its performance and reliability in the long run. The idea of seamless integration with a complete Agilent system is attractive, especially when they're trying to offer a competitive price.

Specs on these are quite similar and we're arranging demos. I suspect that results will be somewhat similar and will blow away what we currently get on our ion trap. Does anyone have any experience or opinions with at least one of these systems to help us in making our decision?

Thanks for you input.

[gckiv]

I posted this earlier and it's been viewed several times, but I still haven't received any responses. If any of you have any input it would be very useful for us. Thank you.

[giacomo56]

Hello, GCKIV

We are also looking at QTOF....We pretty much are coming down to two vendors....ABI and Agilent.
Although we found that Agilent is new to the QTOF game...their instrument is a further expansion of their TOF instrument which has a good reputation.
The ABI is also a good istrument but then, the item that keeps us on the Agilent side is the fact that you do not need to know the quantity of your material, especially if you are doing unknowns, also on paper Agilent does look much better then the ABI....Again as you mentioned they are new.
It's a tough call...We are leaning strongly toward the Agilent.
I found out something kind of interesting....Agilent has the patent on the orthogonal interface, which I was not aware of...and they license certain vendors on their use.
Do more research and ask alot of questions.
Regards.