Field guide to next‐generation DNA sequencers

The diversity of available 2 (nd) and 3 (rd) generation DNA sequencing platforms is increasing rapidly. Costs for these systems range from 10/Mb for 454 and some Ion Torrent chips). In terms of cost per nonmultiplexed sample and instrument run time, the Pacific Biosciences and Ion Torrent platforms excel, with the 454 GS Junior and Illumina MiSeq also notable in this regard. All platforms allow multiplexing of samples, but details of library preparation, experimental design and data analysis can constrain the options. The wide range of characteristics among available platforms provides opportunities both to conduct groundbreaking studies and to waste money on scales that were previously infeasible. Thus, careful thought about the desired characteristics of these systems is warranted before purchasing or using any of them. Updated information from this guide will be maintained at: http: //dna. uga. edu/ and http: //tomato. biol. trinity. edu/blog/.