Ok first things first, are you going to be transporting this item regularly? Or is it just going to sit on your desktop.
Maxtor has been owned by seagate for a while now since 2005, if Maxtor sucks then Seagate sucks.
If you're going to need to transport it with a laptop (2.5") go with Lacie or iomega.
What you pay for in these is the ability to be run only on USB power and the ability to take a bit of punishment.
If it's just sitting on your desktop well buy a 500g Samsung spinpoint, quiet and good value. Get a good quality case with good cooling properties, doesn't need to have a fan but it should use the case as a heatsink to disspate heat.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817171012
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152052