X-Bit Labs is reporting that major hard drive maker, Maxtor, has increased the length of time its products are under warranty. Maxtor are now offering their products under 3 year warranty, up from 1 year. Apparently, the move is being made after rival Seagate increased their warranty time from 3 to 5 years.
This action will come as a relief to many, and a surprise. It was only 2 years ago that the major industry players reduced the length of time their products were under warranty. The move was sparked after a series of high profile product faults that cost hard drive makers a lot of money.
In recent years, the hard drive market has matured with many traditional makers (IBM, Fujitsu) leaving the market. Rapid technological advancement, coupled with tough competition in the market, are cited as reasons for the exits. It"s expected that other market players will follow Maxtor and Seagate in increasing the length of warranty.