We are fast approaching a time when double-digit terabyte storage in a hard drive becomes the norm. And accessing such a vast quantity of data requires a very fast link to a PC, especially when it comes to external storage. With that in mind, LaCie embraced USB-C at last year's CES. Now the company is updating two of its popular external storage solutions to utilize USB Type-C as well as making speed gains through the use of SSDs.
First up is the instantly-recognizable bright orange LaCie Rugged, which is getting a new model called the Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C. It will be offered with 2TB, 4TB, and 5TB hard drive options and 130MB/s transfer speeds, or 500GB and 1TB SSD options and 510MB/s transfer speeds. When opting for the hard drive version, LaCie uses Seagate Barracuda drives.
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The Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C comes with a three year warrant and is IP54 rated, meaning it's protected against dust as well as splashes of water against the enclosure for an extended period of up to 10 minutes. It also boasts a drop resistance of up to five feet and crush resistance against a one ton car. Included with the drive is a Thunderbolt cable, integrated USB-C cable, and USB 3.0 adapter. Prices start at $249.99.
Next up we have an upgrade to the LaCie d2 in the form of the LaCie d2 Thunderbolt 3, which is a desktop external drive offering 6TB, 8TB and 10TB of storage. Inside you'll find a 7,200rpm Seagate Barracuda Pro hard drive with transfer speeds of up to 240MB/s. Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 3 and one USB Type-C port with a Thunderbolt 3, USB Type C, and USB 3.0 adapter cables included. As with the Rugged, the d2 comes with a three year warranty. Prices start at $429.99.
Expect both new external drives to become available before the end of March this year.