Seagate Technology has announced the availability of new Maxtor-branded hard disk drives (HDDs) for desktops and laptops that are designed for entry-level markets and will allow system builders “to reach a wider range of customers”.

“Seagate-branded hard drives will continue to deliver leading-edge technologies, top capacities and performance, rich feature sets and best-in-class channel service and support, while our Maxtor drives feature mainstream capacities, features and performance to meet basic notebook and desktop needs,” said Karl Chicca, Seagate senior vice president and general manager of personal storage.

With the launch, Seagate is refreshing Maxtor’s popular line of DiamondMax 3.5” desktop hard drives and introducing the new MobileMax 2.5” line for notebook PCs.

DiamondMax drives initially will be offered in capacities from 40GB to 320GB and with 2MB or 8MB cache, Serial ATA-300 or Parallel ATA-100 interconnection, 7200rpm motor and so on. MobileMax drives will feature capacities from 40GB to 80GB, Parallel ATA-100 interface, 5400rpm spin speed and 2MB cache.

“Distributors and value-added resellers often have a different set of requirements compared to system OEMs. Seagate’s decision to preserve the Maxtor brand for the distribution channels provides more choice for its customers, and options for Seagate to profitably package, price, and deliver products and services for a variety of unique market requirements,” said John Rydning, IDC’s research manager for hard disc drives.