One embodiment of the present invention provides a unified suspension that includes an integral, continuous laminate, which has a thick actuator arm portion, a thin pre-load portion, and a beam portion, all formed of the same single laminate. The pre-load portion is integrally connected to the actuator arm portion, is thinner than the actuator arm portion, and is configured to apply a pre-load force. The beam portion is integrally connected to the pre-load portion, and is configured for attaching a gimbal to it. This integral, continuous laminate substantially lowers the mass of the suspension, provides excellent shock, resonance and lift tab performance, lowers power consumption requirements, and simplifies the complexity and cost of manufacturing components for a suspension and for assembling the components of the suspension together and into a larger system of which the suspension is a part.