Maxtor Personal Storage 3000DV 80GB FireWire
80GB capacity, 7200rpm rotational speed and FireWire only connection are obvious from the box art, 2MB cache isn't. It's broadly similar to the 5000DV on the previous page, except there's no Dantz software in the bundle and no OneTouch button on the front of the facia.
FireWire only connection, no on/off power switch and the Kensington-like lock port are all that blemish the 80GB 3000DV's external appearance. The plastic casing retains the slightly flimsy nature that the 5000DV drive exhibits on the previous page, but it's nothing shocking. The plastic is also slightly opaque, allowing you to see the physical hard disk inside.
Inside the box you get the drive, FireWire cable, AC adaptor, driver disk, well written but brief manual and a stand for having the drive sit on your desk vertically.
Like the 160GB 5000DV, it's not the quietest disk you'll ever hear. While there's no cooling fan in the chassis, unlike the 300GB OneTouch, the external casing seems to amplify the noise that the disk makes. It's not horrible, but with the disks usually sitting at close to ear height on your desk, probably not too far away from where you sit, it did drive me to distraction a couple of times during testing.
The 3000DV is the disk for those that want extra external capacity without spending too much money. FireWire-only means they have more limited usage than the dual-interface 5000 and OneTouch series disks. 2MB of cache saves you a bit of cash too.
