Abstract: A linear motor (10) for use with a read/write head of computer disk storage or the like includes a rectangular housing (12) having a central bore (14) extending axially therethrough. A cantilevered pole piece (16) extends concentrically through the bore (14). Elongated and radially polarized bar magnets (20) are secured to the housing (12) on the bore surface or to the pole piece (16) and positioned so that radial axes extending diagonally from the center of the bore (14) to each of the housing corners (22) biscet the magnets (20). An armature (25) having a coil wire (30) is concentrically positioned within the central bore (14) between the pole piece (16) and the magnets (20) (or between the magnets (20) and the housing (12)). Forces are exerted on the coil wire (30) in response to application of electric current through the coil wire (30) in the presence of magnetic flux produced by the magnets (20).