A durable, reliable high performance drive and method for digitizing, storing and retrieving data from a disk. In a first embodiment, at least one disk and components for spinning the disk, and digitizing, writing and reading data from the disk are covered with a 0.1 to 4 microns thick ultra low friction and wear, structurally amorphous carbon coating eliminating the need for a lubricant for sliding and rotating components. In a second embodiment the components for spinning the disk, and digitizing, writing and reading data from the disk are enclosed in a hermetically sealed housing and the housing is filled with a mixture of hydrogen and an inert gas.