LaCie Huby Gets a Little Crazy

By Geoff Duncan Published November 30, 2006

LaCie Huby Gets a Little Crazy — Image used with permission by copyright holder

LaCie‘s new Huby FireWire and USB hub makes claims on being a "work of art"—we’re not sure it belongs next to anything by Vermeer or Chagall, but its upside-down albino octopus motif will certainly get noticed on your desktop!

"LaCie has a history of merging innovative technology with forward-thinking design, for which we consistently receive accolades," said LaCie Product Manager Alexis Kobassian. "Even something as simple as a hub can be viewed as a design object. LaCie Huby’s unique shape sets it apart from any other hub on the market. It serves a function, but we also hope it sparks conversation about technology and design."

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The plug-and-play LaCie Huby sports four USB 2.0 ports, two FireWire 400 ports, a USB fan and USB light extending upwards from a round, white polycarbonate base on flexible, twistable cables. The base sports upstream USB 2.0 and FireWire 400 ports (and extension cables to connect to your computer) and supports Mac OS 9, Mac OS X, Linux, and Windows 98SE all the way to Vista. Eight LED indicators—white, violet, green, red, yellow, orange, blue, and pink!—mark the base’s equator and provide status on port activity. Sadly, the Huby requires an external power brick…but, really, that’s no surprise with all those plugs. And the design? Courtesy of Ora-Ïto (click at your own risk).

LaCie says the Huby will be available in early December for $79. Betcha can’t wait!

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Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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