Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini 160 GB 2.5" USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive

Used it 4 one week, then all of a sudden my laptop doesn't recognize it anymore. I've uninstalled, reinstalled, read every message board I can find -- nothing. And from the complaints I've read, I'm obviously not alone. The worst $70 I ever spent!

The metal box, though not as strong as the plastic types, easily dented while with my laptop traveling looks nice.

The software says "synchronization" however this is simply false advertising, it is barely better than just copying your files over. For more info see the thread on Maxor's forum detailing the problem.

http://forums.seagate.com/stx/board/message?board.id=onetouch&thread.id=1506

In order 2 access the hard drive you have 2 have Maxtor's software installed on the computer so you cannot plug it into other computers. The major problem with this is if you want 2 recover from a system failure, you won't be able 2 access the files until you have installed the Maxtor software from another location.

Maxtor, as you may have noticed from other reviews, has a very poor reputation. I would only purchase Maxtor if I wanted 2 give it 2 someone I didn't like so that they could lose their information. Typically, they are guaranteed 2 die well before the year is out, but their replacements also die & then you're out of luck. If you attempt 2 have them recover your data, they will charge you LITERALLY THOUSANDS of dollars. If you take it elsewhere, they will void your warranty. The software never works, often failing 2 install properly, failing 2 carry out back-up functions, or simply cluttering up your system. The onetouch software is possibly the most horribly written hunk of digital mess I've ever experienced. I have yet 2 get it 2 ever work.

Everything the reviews said it was & 4 a GREAT price. I highly recommend this product- user friendly & very reputable.

This is a terrible Hard Drive. I am switching macs, & I am incredibly frustrated because my new one will not recognize this device. It chirps. It whirrs. It demands two powered USB ports. A total piece of garbage. Go with one of those colorful Toshiba ones- they work beautifully, are the same price as this one, & won't screw you over. And, they look nice.

This lightweight, portable hard drive is powered from the USB port & lets you bring important files with you. You also get durability with its built-in rugged shock-resistant design. With the Maxtor SafteyDrill software 4 windows, SafteyDrill prepares, reboots & recovers your PC's entire hard drive in case of system failure or virus/spyware infection. Automatically synchronize your files between two computers every time you connect or disconnect the drive so you are always working with the most current data. No need 2 worry about unauthorized access 2 your private files with the Maxtor DrivePass & encryption. For the price & all its features your getting a great value. Up 2 480Mb/sec Bus Transfer Rate with USB 2.0 Operating system - Windows XP Home or Higher, Mac OS X (10.4.7 or later), 256MB RAM Approximate Unit Dimensions - 4.9 X 0.59 X 3.22 Approximate Unit Weight - 5.9oz

The Maxtor® OneTouch® 4 Mini storage solution is a full-featured, portable backup & storage solution with Maxtor SafetyDrill™ 4 complete recovery of a hard drive’s contents in case of a system crash or virus/spyware attack*. With two levels of data security & capacities up 2 320 GB, users can automatically back up or sync work & home computers & confidently carry an up-to-date portfolio in their pockets.

Have a simple & reliable backup solution 4 all your stuff

Easily bring important files with you, wherever you go.

Keep all your digital content in a safe & secure location.

Portable Performance & Security
You & your content belong together. Weighing less than 6 ounces, the Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini makes it easy 2 confidently carry your up-to-date portfolio in your pocket. This full-featured, portable backup & storage solution now includes Maxtor SafetyDrill 4 complete recovery of your PC hard drive’s contents in case of a system crash or virus/spyware attack. A simple user interface makes automated backup scheduling, specific file restoration, & security a snap. You can automatically sync data on multiple computers so you always have your latest files handy.

To safeguard against unauthorized use, Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini comes with both data encryption & Maxtor DrivePass.

With up 2 320 GB you have room 4 5,330 hours of digital music or 102,400 digital photos or 320 hours of digital video or 80 two-hour DVD quality movies or 160 games.

It’s easy 2 install – just plug the drive’s USB cable into an available port on your PC or Mac. The OneTouch 4 Mini comes with preloaded software & there is no additional power needed, so you’re off & running!

The sleek & slim design of this hard drive--only measures 4.90 x 0.59 x 3.22-inches (H x D x W). The Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini lets you transfer files seamlessly from your computer via its USB 2.0 connection at a brisk transfer rate of up 2 480Mb/sec. The drive delivers a spindle speed of 5,400 RPM, giving you the high-speed performance you need 2 back your data up quickly & safely.

At this compact size, & with this high performance, you now have the ability 2 take your data with you anywhere you go, so your digital content finally has room 2 breathe. A five-year warranty is also included, giving you complete peace of mind.

Product Highlights

· Ideal backup & storage 4 carrying your digital portfolio with you	· Maxtor® SafetyDrill™ prepares, boots, recovers your PC’s entire internal drive contents in case of system failure or virus/spyware infection
· Sync data between two or more computers on the same operating system	· Maxtor DrivePass™ & Encryption: two levels of security against unauthorized use
· Simple Maxtor user interface 4 drive management, security & backup scheduling	· USB 2.0 4 fast data interface & power source
· 5-year warranty	· Customizable Maxtor OneTouch® button
· Drive- & power-management utilities included	· Quick & easy installation with pre-loaded software
· Auto Updater helps keep your Maxtor OneTouch solution current	· PC & Mac compatible
· 5400 RPM, up 2 8-MB cache buffer

*Windows Only

Maxtor® is the expert & the leader in designing simple external storage & backup solutions 4 consumers & professionals. Maxtor offers a broad line of trusted, intuitive storage solutions 4 safeguarding critical business data, digital files & personal memories. Maxtor developed the industry’s first external storage device that features easy-to-use OneTouch® button backup & restore capabilities. The Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini solution is the easy way 2 back up & store photos, videos, games, music, business data, personal information & more. The OneTouch 4 Mini solution continues the OneTouch legacy as the leading external hard drive 4 small office users, consumers, creative professionals & mobile warriors.

What's in the Box
Portable hard drive with preloaded installation software, USB 2.0 cable, Maxtor SafetyDrill recovery CD, quick start guide