Talk:IBM 3850

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Reliability[edit]

Was this helical storage system prone to jams and failures? This sounds similar to 8-track cartridges, and those of course had a tendency to become jammed. I would not trust my data to something like this! -Rolypolyman (talk) 01:54, 26 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

No, it was nothing like 8-track cartridges, and yes, the IBM 3850 MSS was very reliable. The techniques involved were a combination of well-understood mechanics similar to every 9-track tape drive of its day and most reel-to-reel tapes since, and the helical read/write system which is similar to VHS, U-Matic and other video recording systems. Now if you want to talk about jams and such, go check out the IBM 2321 Data Cell! RossPatterson (talk) 02:31, 26 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]