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LaCie introduces updated Rugged and d2 Thunderbolt 3 storage devices

Mark Coppock
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We’re creating more content than ever, particularly thanks to smartphones that take better pictures than many recent point-and-shoot cameras and better video than all but high-end camcorders. We need somewhere reliable to store all that content, whether it’s portable or sitting stationary on our desks.

LaCie is a company that knows good storage, and they’re introducing a couple of upgrades to popular storage options at CES 2017. Specifically, its Rugged and d2 storage solutions are getting some improvements, with more speed, higher capacity, better compatibility, and LaCie’s trademark best-in-class reliability.

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Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C

Image used with permission by copyright holder

First up is the Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C, which packs a 9mm or 12mm solid-state drive (SSD) or hard disk drive (HDD) into an attractive yet durable container. We’ll get to performance in a minute, but the most important aspect of the Rugged line of storage devices is just how well they can stand up to inclement conditions and general mistreatment.

Key Specs

  • 9mm: Up to 1TB SSD and 2TB HDD
  • 13mm: Up to 5TB HDD
  • SSD performance up to 510MB/s
  • HDD performance up to 130MB/s
  • USB Type-C port with USB-A adapter cable
  • IP54-rated for shock, dust, and water resistance
  • Bus powered for mobility
  • 3-year limited warranty

Specifically, an IP54 rating means that the Rugged line is shock, dust, and water resistant, meaning that they can be taken anywhere with confidence that they’ll withstand some abuse. LaCie dubs them as Secure Mobile Storage, protecting against two-meter drops and able to withstand being run over by a 2000-pound automobile. In addition, the Rugged devices are protected against nefarious humans as well, with AES 256-bit software encryption.

In terms of performance, the SSDs run at USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3 speeds when connected to supported ports, providing up to 510MB/s. HDD performance is rated up to 130MB/s. Capacities for the 9mm version range from 500GB and 1TB SSDs to 2TB HDD options, with one model that’s Mac-only. The 13mm version will offer 4TB and 5TB HDDs.

A USB Type-C to USB-A cable is included in the box, and so the Rugged storage devices can be plugged into just about any relevant PC. In addition, the Rugged drives are fully bus powered, and so they make for good portable storage solutions.

The drives will be available in the first quarter of 2017, with retail pricing starting at $250. Every Rugged drive will come with a three-year limited warranty.

D2 Thunderbolt USB-C

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Key Specs

  • Seagate BarraCuda Pro HDDs
  • Up to 10TB capacity
  • 240MB/s performance via USB Type-C Thunderbolt or USB 3.1
  • Dual USB Type-C ports with Thunderbolt 3
  • 5-year limited warranty
For anyone whose needs are more stationary, LaCie is offering the d2 Thunderbolt 3 for an attractive combination of good looks, massive capacity, and outstanding performance. If you have an all-in-one (AIO) desktop PC or notebook that’s storage-challenged, then the d2 could be a nice option that would spruce up any décor.

The d2 will be available in a variety of capacities using the latest Seagate BarraCuda Pro HDDs for excellent performance and reliability. Storage options will be 6TB, 8GB, and 10TB all in the same compact chassis. USB Type-C with Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 support means that the drives can provide up to 240MB/s performance for managing large image libraries and editing 4K video.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

In addition, the d2 includes a total of three USB Type-C connections, two with Thunderbolt 3 and one with USB 3.1 support, allowing the user to daisy chain a single 5K display, up to two 4K displays, or a total of six LaCie d2 drives through a single cable. The two Thunderbolt 3 ports are also powered, meaning that compatible notebooks such as the 2016 MacBook Pro can draw their juice through the d2 as well.

The d2 will also be available in the first quarter of 2017, with retail pricing starting at $430. The d2 comes with a solid five-year limited warranty.

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Mark Coppock
Mark Coppock
Computing Writer
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