Large form factor extended tape path magnetic tape storage device

A tape-based storage device, comprising:

• a cartridge having a cartridge reel with a magnetic tape;
• a tape drive including (i) an opening to receive the cartridge, and (ii) an internal drive reel;
• and
• a robot to place the cartridge in the opening of the tape drive, the robot moving in a robot zone having a robot zone width, the tape drive being wider than the robot zone width, the internal drive wheel being offset to a side from the cartridge reel, such that at least a part of the internal drive reel extends beyond the robot zone width.

A tape-based storage device, comprising:

• a tape rack;
• a tape drive with an opening to receive a cartridge, the cartridge having a cartridge reel with a magnetic tape;
• and
• a robot to place the cartridge in the opening of the tape drive, the robot moving in a robot zone;
• wherein the tape drive is wider than a width of the robot zone;
• wherein the tape drive includes an internal drive reel, the internal drive reel offset to a side from the cartridge reel, such that at least a part of the internal drive reel extends beyond the width of the robot zone.