LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt Portable Drive Sports 1TB SSD

For most people, portable storage needs don't include the ability to withstand the hazards of long hikes or rain. Some need a drive rugged enough to handle such situations, however, like adventure photographers or those recording documentary footage in remote places. LaCie has long targeted those users with its Rugged line of portable storage drives, and its latest expansion to the lineup is no exception. With this latest addition, users get 1TB of storage, but not without a price tag to match.

The Rugged Thunderbolt 1TB drive is, as the name suggests, a Thunderbolt-equipped portable drive that gives users access to the super-fast transfer speeds of Thunderbolt. Those who don't have equipment with Thunderbolt support, however, are able to use USB 3.0 as an alternative.

The drive tops out at 100GB of data transfer in under 5 minutes, with a top transfer rate of 387 MB/s. This is thrice what you'd get with a typical external hard drive, says LaCie, and comes with the benefit of a MIL-spec case that can handle moderate water exposure (IP 54 rating), dust exposure, vibration, drops (from up to 6.6 feet), and shocks.

That water and dust resistance is only offered when the cap on the case is closed, however. As expected, LaCie has included its Private-Public software with the drive, as well, giving a 256-bit encryption option for those who need password protection. The drive launches on an unspecified date this month, but won't come cheap with a $949.99 USD price tag.

SOURCE: LaCie