Maxtor OneTouch 4 (750GB)

I have used it to back up a PC and then turned around and used it for Time Machine Backups on a Mac. Even after erasing and having to reformat for the Mac, worked like a champ and I did have to use it as the first Macbook I had needed to be replaced. I've had few problems with the one I have now.

More often than not, the drive seems to be confused when attempting to move files to it. I think it is the power option of the drive, which defaults to turning off after 15 minutes. However, in the manual, but not on the box or in their advertising literature (data sheets), Vista 32 is one of the listed operating systems, but not Vista 64. Only when you get to page 99 of the Guide (embedded on the drive!) does it say 32 bit systems only:

"Frequently Asked Questions
These are common, frequently asked questions about the OneTouch 4. For further
information, refer to the Seagate Knowledge Base at support.seagate.com.
1. What are the minimum Operating System requirements for the OneTouch 4?
Microsoft Windows:
? XP Professional, XP Home, XP Media Center Edition*
? Vista Home Basic, Vista Home Premium, Vista Business, Vista Ultimate*
* 32-bit Operating Systems only"

I am changing the power option to "never" turn off and will see if the drive stop losing track of itself. If files are copied during this confused state, the drive weirds out explorer and you might get a "found.1" folder on the drive with some files.

This is not even trying to use their backup or sync software. I am only using it as a backup drive via copying with Explorer.

I advise staying away from Maxtor and Seagate drives based on the overwhelming number of complaints on their forums, for one. My personal experience is three failed Maxtor 500gb drives out of three owned (one internal, two external) and a Seagate 640gb that has a slow down problem on this HP intel quad 9550 system d5000t, altho there may be a firmware update...gee, thanks.

Based on other info, all hard drives are suspect, with very high failure rates (at least 5%)...no sure which brand can be recommended that can be reliable for 5 running years. I believe MTBF stats are misleading. I recommend at least two backup drives for each main drive. Or better yet, Carbonite or Mozy online backup...but the internet would be too slow for video and mass photographic backup.

Where is my holo-cube? (I think all Holographic drives became classified and blocked technology reserved for the military and NSA.)

Simply put, after researching other owners reviews and problems, it seems to be a common thread that the product is a pleasure when new; but quickly deteriorates to
a point that presents a real risk of losing a LOT of backed up data, which is a nightmare for anyone.
I may be one of the lucky ones; I can usually access the files after running chkdsk
(which is a long process), and can either transfer to a new HD or to, as Seagate suggests, to DVD's. Over 400 GB of data will take a lot of DVD's!
Seagate has offered to send an RMA for repairs or replacement, but who would risk it?