Packaging:
Maxtor sells the BlackArmor encrypted portable drive in the box shown below. A window on the front of box provides a clear look at the device itself, while the 160GB capacity and 5-year warranty are prominently displayed, too. All of the key features, specifications, and PC requirements mentioned on the previous page can be found on the back of the box.
The Basics:
The BlackArmor is quite compact (5.17" x 3.32" x 0.67"), and seems barely large enough to contain a 2.5 inch drive and the other necessary electronics. Small is good though, as this device is meant to be portable. The aesthetics are minimalistic, with the monochrome black exterior split into two halves. One half is rubberized and dull, while the other is smooth and shiny.
Two white panels shown along one edge in the images above feature blue LEDs behind them which illuminate to indicate device power and drive activity. The only opening on the entire device is the mini-USB connector found on one end (below left image). There aren't even any visible screw holes, and along the bottom the only feature worth noting is the manufacturer's data label shown in the below right image.
The accessories included with the BlackArmor are shown below. You get a USB to mini-USB adaptor cable, a warranty card, a quick start guide, and a soft cloth pouch big enough to store the drive and its cable.
You get everything you would need to use the BlackArmor, although a few extra inches on the cable would have been nice. As it is, if I plug it into the front panel connections on my case it barely reaches for the drive to rest on top of my case, and it is just a bit too short for the drive to lay flat on the ground. A hub or extension cable seem to be somewhat necessary accessories. And if you are looking for a software disk, all software is pre-loaded onto the BlackArmor.
