Hi OSP!

Has anyone used or uses a Maxtor external drive for either backup or storage? I currently use 2 Western Digital drives and love them but need another one and the Maxtor is at a great price at my local Costco.

I'm a little leary since I've never used one as I've had a Seagate and SimpleTech both crash on me.

But, if they're reliable I could get a 750 gig at a super price.

Thanks in advance for your help and I look forward to reading your responses!

I had one last summer and it died one day -- totally random. Then I bought a SeaGate and it just died on me last week.

For my next hard drive (which I'll be buying in the next week or so) I'm going to invest in one with a mirror. I've heard good things, and the probability of losing data is low.

let me preface this by saying that it's been about five years since I bought a Maxtor drive

that being said, I've had about five of them and each one died within 18 months. They might have a better build now, but I'm way too gun shy to ever buy another one

I don't do externals anymore. Why? They don't usually have a large enough fan to keep the drives cool OR not enough ventilation. I've had more externals fail than internals. So, if possible, maybe look into a trayless system where you can just pop a drive in, and then pull it out. Best thing ever invented! No more screwing drives into trays.. just pure quick access to your data (assuming you have a SATA connection because SATA are standardized, which is why this works.)

I have used Maxtor firewire drives exclusively for the last four years and have had only one die slowly. I had my data backed up so it wasn't an issue and thanks to Maxtor's five year warranty I was promptly sent a replacement drive before it failed completely.

As long as your data is sufficiently backed up, I think you can confidently shop by price and warranty when it comes to drives.

All drives fail. Usually they're the ones that run hotter than others.

Probably everyone has had some good or bad experience with any of the name brand drives...I got to believe it's like anything else. Mass manufacturing will get ya at some point...

Having said that, I tend to look for Firewire models (on a Mac) so I can make them bootable if necessary. I've got 2-Iomegas, 2-Lacies and one Maxtor. I try to stick to ones with multiple connection options (at least 2), fans, and metal casings.

I run SuperDuper for back up purposes.

I've had the Iomegas 3-years, Maxtor 2.5 years, and the Lacies less than one. No issues. (Did I just jinx myself??? Back up please!!!)

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate it! Does anyone use one of these?

WD 500 GB My Book

I think Seagate bought Maxtor ... so they're basically the same brand now Bummer 'cause I HAAATE SEAGATE!

Yup... I think seagate and maxtor are one. I had a maxtor go bad on me, (I was backed up so no issues) but I had to contact seagate to replace it. They did replace it for me.

On that note, I have 2 seagates that I've had for a couple years, and have not had any problems with them.

I've had bad luck with Maxtors. Ugh. So much that I'm never buying another.

To answer your question about the MyBook- I use one at home for my personal iPhoto library and it's been solid as have all WD products I've used to date.

-Leon