> -----Original Message-----
> From: PCBUILD - PC Hardware discussion List
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Earl Truss
> Sent: April 17, 1998 08:38
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] Vertical Desktop
>
>
> Back in the days before IDE hard drives, we were told that if you
> wanted to
> put a computer case on edge, you should reformat the hard disk in the new
> position.  This was (in theory) because gravity pulling sideways on the
> drive mechanism would affect the head alignment.  I don't know if this was
> true at the time or if so if it is still true.  Just something else to
> consider other than air movement.

        That makes sense for older drives that relied on mechanical mechanisms to
position the heads, such as stepper motors. However the newer drives use a
technology resembling a voice coil technology, the head is positioned in a
closed system, also called self sensing. The older drives were an open
system, you moved the motor a certain amount of steps and hoped you were in
the middle of the track. TTYL