Maxtor expands options in Shared Storage, OneTouch lineup
By Darren Murph 
posted Oct 11th 2006 10:53PM
posted Oct 11th 2006 10:53PM
It looks like Western Digital isn't the only hard drive firm broadening the horizons of its oh-so-popular external lineup, as Maxtor has announced today a trio of revamped devices sporting the same technologies (and less-than-sexy enclosures) we've come to expect, but also gain welcome upgrades in the file space department. The company's flagship unit, the OneTouch III Turbo Edition, now tips the scales at 1.5TB, and still touts the same "user-configurable RAID," automatic backup scheduling, "System Rollback," USB 2.0 connectivity, and DriveLock software to protect your precious information (or priceless game saves) from the grimey hands of data thieves; meanwhile, the non-Turbo edition now comes in a 750GB single-drive flavor, while the Mini tops out at 160GB. Rather than cramming more space into its Shared Storage II drives, Maxtor now offers single-drive versions in 320GB and half-terabyte sizes, and includes software to facilitate "easy backup scheduling between networked computers," detailed storage status to all connected users, and a pair of USB 2.0 ports. If you're just too occupied to schedule your own backups, or just need a less expensive alternative to an in-home NAS, Maxtor's refreshed offerings will have you covered later this month.[Via eHomeUpgrade]
Is there any brand that makes a reliable external enclosure? I've gone through about a half dozen of these in the last few years, from two One Touch II drives, to a calvary drive, to several others. I have found with most that the drive is actually OK, if after it fails I take it and plug it in as an internal drive, but obviously leaving these things on 24/7 so they can 'auto backup' is not a long term solution, and the customers reviews I read on many sites echo my own experiences. Currently using a newer model Western Digital drive but keeping it off and setting myself weekly reminders to manually backup the system. Sure wish I could feel confident enough with these systems to use them on full time auto mode :(