Drive maker Maxtor Corp. on Thursday launched four upgraded models, using its new 80GB media platters.
Two of the drives, the DiamondMax 16 and the DiamondMax Plus 9, have 160GB capacities, using two platters. The DiamondMax 16 spins at 5,400 rpm and costs $249.95. The DiamondMax Plus 9 is faster, at 7,200 rpm, and costs $299.95, according to officials with the Milpitas, Calif., company.
The other drives are smaller, scaling only to 40GB, but feature single-head designs. The Fireball 3, at $79.95, spins at 5,400 rpm, and the DiamondMax Plus 8, at $99.95, spins at 7,200 rpm, officials said.
All of the new drives, which are shipping now, have fluid dynamic bearings instead of ball bearings. They also use the Ultra133 connections, which are slightly faster than previous interfaces.
Maxtor is working to increase its focus on non-PC sales and last month exited the network-attached storage business.