| Maxtor BlackArmor 160GB Encrypted Portable Drive
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Conclusion:
The BlackArmor 160GB encrypted portable drive provides a unique twist on a rather common item. Portable hard drives are everywhere, and in general are easy ways for people to lose valuable personal or business data. Security is the key feature of this product, and if protecting your portable data is a high priority, Maxtor has made it just about fool proof. With hardware-based full disk encryption your data is locked up tightly as soon as the USB cable is disconnected, and only your personal password is going to set it free again.
While the security is more advanced than most other options on the market, the key limitation is still the user. Weak passwords and simple password hints are an easy way in, so be sure to take those steps in the setup seriously. You will lose your data if you do forget your password, but with Secure Erase you can regain the disk space and start all over with a new password.
A search of the Internet finds the 160GB version of the Maxtor BlackArmor at places like Newegg.com for just about $110 (US) shipped. That is quite a bit more than a typical 160GB external drive (the 160GB Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini is about $25 less), but the security features obviously come at a premium. If protecting your data is a high priority, then the additional price really shouldn't seem that outrageous.
Given the robust security features, useful software, and the five year warranty, the Maxtor BlackArmor 160GB encrypted portable drive earns the Bigbruin.com "Recommended" and "Great Idea" awards.
 
Pros:
» Software is easy to install and use
» Automatic backup, restore, and synchronization with included software
» Hardware-based full disk encryption
» Data can be completely erased with no possibility of recovery
» Compact and lightweight
» 5 Year Warranty
Cons:
» Slower than your typical USB drive
» Cable is very short
» Software doesn't check for available disk space prior to backing up
Special thanks to Maxtor for providing the Maxtor BlackArmor 160GB Encrypted Portable Drive to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
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