LaCie Announces Rugged eSATA Drive: Speed On The Go

If you've been getting used using USB 2.0, and you have no intentions of ever upgrading, LaCie may have the thing to sway you against your better wishes. The storage company has today introduced an expansion to their "Rugged" family, as the Rugged eSATA slips in to provide users faster transfer rates than they're used to while also freeing up a USB port for some other duty.


The Rugged drive isn't changed in design (well, aside from that different looking port), but now with the Power eSATA connector, users can expect speeds up to 90MB/s in a mobile, portable form factor - without compromising bus power capability. Additionally, you can use it as a USB drive if that's all your have access to in a pinch, and it comes with an extra 10GB of Wuala online storage for one year, allowing you to store, share and access your online storage from anywhere.

The LaCie Rugged eSATA will be available in 500GB capacity for $159.99 from the LaCie Online Store, LaCie Reseller+ and LaCie Storage Partners.

LaCie Rugged eSATA: Mobile Storage for Fast Data Transfer

    * Power eSATA interface allows you to work faster

    * Rugged casing is ideal for protecting valuable data on the go

    * Up to 90MB/s through Power eSATA

    * Compatible with standard eSATA ports

LaCie today announced the Rugged eSATA, the first mobile external hard drive on the market that features a Power eSATA interface. The Rugged eSATA offers major storage capacity and a cost advantage over eSATA SSD solutions, and is one of the only portable, bus-powered eSATA solutions on the market.

Bus-powered when connected to a USB-eSATA combo port, the LaCie Rugged eSATA combines superior transfer speeds of up to 90MB/s in a truly mobile form. The USB-eSATA combo interface, also known as Power eSATA, features a slightly different connector than eSATA and is frequently found on late-model laptops. The drive is also compatible with standard eSATA ports when the included USB power-sharing cable is connected.

"We are thrilled to integrate power eSATA technology into our best-selling Rugged mobile hard drive," said Anne-Sophie Marchand, Consumer Product Manager. "This solution brings dazzling transfer speeds to customers on the go, while still ensuring compatibility with standard eSATA and USB 2.0 connectors."

Housed in the award-winning Rugged casing designed by Neil Poulton, the LaCie Rugged eSATA features a unique scratch-resistant aluminum shell, internal anti-shock absorbers, and a shock-resistant rubber bumper to better protect files against everyday blunders.

Availability
The LaCie Rugged eSATA will be available in 500GB capacity through the LaCie Online Store, LaCie Reseller+ and LaCie Storage Partner starting at the suggested retail price of $159.99 (VAT included). For more information, visit www.lacie.com.

About Neil Poulton
Neil Poulton was born in Thurso, Scotland. A graduate in Industrial Design from Edinburgh University and Milan's Domus Academy, Poulton first came into public view in 1989 as the creator of "the ageing pens," pens made from a "living," wearing plastic that changes color and form with use. Today, Neil Poulton designs and develops best-selling, award-winning products for a variety of international clients including LaCie & Artemide. Since 1991, Poulton has lived and worked in Paris, France. www.neilpoulton.com

About LaCie
Located in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong, LaCie is the leading manufacturer of computer peripherals for Windows, Apple and Linux users. LaCie creates external storage solutions and color monitors that help professionals and everyday people easily manage their digital lives. LaCie has differentiated its products through original designs and leading-edge technology. Established in France in 1989, LaCie is listed on Euronext under FR0000054314 (LAC). For more information, visit www.lacie.com

###