CompuServe Messages

Dom, Yes…you have it right…and I see from another user that the 6250's are in fact, longer tapes. And I also agree with that message that over a significant period of time, if you use only one type of tape over another type…there is a *slight* possibility that the tape wear patterns on the head may cause you some problems. However, these drives do not use a fixed head. The head moves up and down an incline to step from track to track (rather than have multiple heads or to move the tape itself) and thus I believe neither type of tape would leave a wear pattern that would preclude the use of the other type of tape. That's my personal opinion…I've not tested it. I do know that we have tape drives at work that get used for an hour or so every day. After several years of this…I can see no significant wear on the heads. All I see are that the heads are a bit shinier where the tape contacts them…but no "ruts". Don