Tape is a way to get volume. Through easily spooled layers. Not fast access but otherwise not unreasonable. Plus tapes stored outside of the drive. Another way

Tape is a way to get volume. Through easily spooled layers. Not fast access but otherwise not unreasonable. Plus tapes stored outside of the drive. Another way to look at it: "and yet here we are". Tape is still what has led to the highest density so far (depending how much storage you look at, and cost tradeoff). But also cost tradeoff of separating the drive from the medium. which hasn't really worked: LTO tapes are pro supplies - and so, expensive.