Digital Trends

Maxtor BlackArmor 160GB

July 23rd, 2008 | by Josh Norem

Features and Design

The BlackArmor drive we received for testing is the smaller 160GB version, but Maxtor sells a 320GB version for $249 direct from its website. The package includes just the drive itself and a small USB cable that is about 12 inches long. It’s a standard USB cable too, and not one of those twin-plug types common on older USB drives. The drive inside the chassis is a 5,400rpm model with 8MB of cache. Maxtor also includes a swank suede carrying case that can double as a polishing cloth for the drive’s reflective areas.

There are no software CDs or anything as everything is on the drive itself, which is handy for those of us who are prone to losing discs. The software that comes with the drive is called Maxtor Manager and is a home-base type of application that lets you configure and administer all of the drive’s functions. You don’t have to use Maxtor Manager at all if you don’t want to, as its primary purpose is to allow you to set up backup and sync options for files and folders. Additionally you can change your password, add a password hint (a wise move since if you forget the password the drive has to be re-formatted).

Additional features include the ability to test the drive for errors as well as toggle power settings in order to spin the drive down when not in use in order to increase its lifespan.

Again, you don’t have to install the Maxtor Manager if you don’t want to, as the encryption program runs straight off the drive so if you plug it into any PC it’ll ask you for the password and then become an open volume. If you provide the wrong password the drive is inaccessible.

Image Courtesy of Maxtor