LaCie Unlocks USB Storage with Three Key-Shaped Drives

LaCie's new itsaKey, iamaKey, and PassKey USB drives are shapes like keys and feature touch metal casings to stand up to everyday use.

Peripheral and accessory maker LaCie has introduced three new USB key storage devices—the itsaKey, iamaKey, and PassKey that not only offer convenient portable storage, but also sport sturdy metal casings and are shaped like keys so they can easily be kept handy on key rings and fobs and stand up to the rigors of everyday life.

“LaCie has merged the ubiquitous USB interface with a very mobile and convenient form factor, a key that you always carry with you,” said LaCie business unit manager Luc Pierart, in a statement. “The LaCie Key products bring an ease-of-use to our customers, making it easy to access, store, and share large amounts of content on-the-go. After all, it’s a Key.”

All three new USB keys sport high-speed USB 2.0 interfaces and can be used transparently on both Windows and Macintosh computers. The itsaKey and iamaKey drives are available in 4 GB and 8 GB capacities, while the PassKey doesn’t actually offer any storage of its own: instead the PassKey enables users to use microSD cards (perhaps an older one from a digital camera?) as a USB storage decide. The PassKey works with microSD and microSDHC (Class 1 to 6).

The PassKey (with no microSD card) is available for $9.99; the itsaKey drives are priced at $14.99 and $23.99 for the 4 and 8 GB versions, respectively, while the iamaKey drives are a little higher at $17.99 and $27.99 for 4 and 8 GB capacities.

The designs for all three new USB keys are from 5.5 Designers.