Seagate STM901603BAA1E1-RK 160GB Black Armor 2.5-Inch USB 2.0 External Hard Drive

Lets start with the look & feel of this product. Very sleek. Very Nice. It has a nice high quality rubbery finish. It is a bit large 4 a portable hard drive, but it definitely has a solid feel about it. Feels like a high quality product in hand. It comes with a nice microfiber pouch which helps keep it clean & fingerprint free.

Something it does extremely well is that it keeps your files very secure. I actually forgot my password once, & the only way I was able 2 use the hard drive again was 2 delete the contents completely & set a new password. Lucky 4 me, I didn't lose any files that were that valuable 2 me.

File transfers are relatively fast. I've heard people complain about the speed, but I've found it 2 be more than sufficient. In my opinion, the security is a major bonus with little sacrifice in terms of speed.

If you're primarily concerned about security, this is one of the best devices of its kind. Its not be the best choice if you work with Macs since it offers zero compatibility with mac os. It does however work with programs like bootcamp & vmware, so there are ways around this problem. Besides that, it's a great device.

before i start talking about it's functionality lets talk about its form. i have 2 say i like the way this drive looks. a nice combination of rubberized plastic & glossy plastic. i find it sleek & stylish though a little on the large side. the drive comes with it own carry case 2 keep it nice & clean which is a bonus.

as 4 the functionality of the drive, the encryption works as advertised. if you don't have the password good luck getting at the data. the software is easy 2 install as it is just on the drive as a separate partition with the software.

it's not all sunshine & puppy dogs 4 this drive however. there is no mac support & there is no way 2 use the drive without password protection. which really stinks 4 me since i use both mac & windows machines. the drive seems a little bit on the power hungry side as i need 2 usb plugs half the time just 2 get it running. copying data & writing data seems a bit slower as well, but i think i'll chalk that up 2 the encryption being done.

if you're looking 4 a safe way 2 carry data, & want it secured even if you lose the drive then look no further. turns out i don't have a lot of sensitive data that makes use of this drive, but at least it's a pretty drive.

This drive is great 4 those concerned about security more than functionality.

All the security software & back-up utilities come pre-loaded on the hard-drive, so all you have 2 do is plug it in & answer a few questions. The drive itself is sleek & very sturdy, & comes with a pouch that stores the hard-drive & the USB cable. It really is a great looking drive.

Now 4 some of the cons. Everytime you disconnect the hard-drive, you have 2 unlock the drive before it can be used. Also, transfer speeds seem a tad bit slower than my other portable drive, albeit not that much slower but worth noting. The price of this drive is a little steep compared with the storage space received. You do get better value going with the 320GB drive though.

All in all, this drive receives 4 stars because it provides great security in a great looking drive, but you are paying a premium 4 it.

Nice, sleek. Security is a bit overkill 4 the music & photos I'm keeping on it, but nice 2 know its there I guess.

Pretty sleek drive. Nice exterior enclosure & portability. If you need security & portability this is the drive 4 you.

The BlackArmor Portable Hard Drive is the always encrypted, government-grade secure storage solution designed 4 carrying your sensitive business & personal data with you. Featuring hardware-based full-disc encryption technology, it not only prohibits access 2 your data without the password, but also eliminates tedious manual security procedures that are required in other technologies. When its USB cable is removed from the computer, the drive automatically locks. Not even a professional data recovery service can access or restore your data without the correct password. Plus, should you choose, permanent deletion of the encryption key allows 4 secure repurposing of the drive. Permanently delete encryption key 4 secure redeployment Pre-loaded software makes installation quick & easy Automated backup scheduling Sync 2 multiple computers on the same operating system USB 2.0 interface powers your drive & ensures fast data transfer at 480Mb/sec Securely carry your sensitive data Quickly & easily back up & store your data Transport your data in a compact, lightweight device Securely redeploy your portable hard drive System Requirements - Pentium III, 500Mhz equivalent processor or higher, Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate, or Business or Windows XP Home, Professional, or Media Center Edition, 256MB RAM, Internet connection 4 software updates, & 1 available USB port Dimensions - Height 5.17 x Width 3.32 x Length 0.67 (131.2x84.2x16.9mm) Weight - 7.20 ounces (204.12 grams)

Always encrypted, government-grade, secure portable storage designed especially 4 carrying your sensitive business & personal data with you. Featuring hardware-based full-disc encryption technology, it not only prohibits access 2 your data without the password, but eliminates tedious manual security procedures.

128-bit AES Government-grade Security.

Invalid Password Prohibits access 2 data. No Exceptions!

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

Government grade, secure portable storage
Designed 4 those who have valuable information they wish 2 keep secure & private, the Maxtor BlackArmor product is an attractive, portable solution that provides unparalleled security 4 direct attached storage devices. Using Seagate Secure technology, Maxtor's BlackArmor drive is designed 2 keep data locked up & protected in the event of loss or theft. Seagate Secure technology is a hardware-based encryption, making the encryption transparent 2 the user & free of complicated installation & use procedures required by software based security. The Maxtor BlackArmor external storage solution uses a government-grade AES encryption certified by the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) 2 deliver the strongest commercially available data security available 4 external storage.

The Maxtor BlackArmor product provides transparent, real-time encryption of all the data on the device, not just selected files; providing performance & ease of use advantages over manual software-based security controls. The BlackArmor product also puts all security keys & cryptographic operations within the device, delivering stronger protection against hacking & tampering than traditional software alternatives. The BlackArmor product's key encryption technology can also securely wipe out the data 4 simple, cost-effective redeployment or disposal of the product - an important capability 4 organizations of all sizes.

The sleek & slim design of this hard drive--only measures 5.17 x 0.67 x 3.32-inches (H x D x W). The Maxtor BlackArmor 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.

Simple automated backup, restoration, sync, & power management software is also pre-loaded. Up 2 160GB storage capacity with a USB 2.0 interface. It’s easy 2 install – just plug the external drive into an available USB port on your PC, run the preloaded software, & presto you’re good 2 go.

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.

System Requirements - Pentium III, 500Mhz equivalent processor or higher, Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate, or Business or Windows XP Home, Professional, or Media Center Edition, 256MB RAM, Internet connection 4 software updates, & 1 available USB port.

Product Highlights

· Hardware-based full-disc encryption technology · Invalid password prohibits access 2 your data
· Removal of the USB cable from your computer auto locks the drive	· No tedious manual security procedures found in software-based encryption technology
· Hint feature offers a reminder in the event of a forgotten password	· Permanently delete encryption key 4 secure disposal or redeployment
· Pre-loaded software makes installation quick & easy	· Automated backup scheduling
· Sync 2 multiple computers on the same operating system	· USB 2.0 interface powers your drive & ensures fast data transfer
· 5-year limited warranty

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. Protected by Seagate Secure hardware-based encryption technology, BlackArmor delivers superior data protection in the event of loss or theft & government certification as the strongest data security available 4 an external storage device. The Maxtor BlackArmor solution is the easy way 2 back up & store photos, videos, games, music, business data, personal information & more, protected from unauthorized use.

What's in the Box
BlackArmor external hard drive with pre-loaded security & backup software, quick start quide, USB 2.0 cable, protective slip case, 5-year warranty