Storage product maker LaCie rolled out new 120 and 160GB FireWire hard disk drives at Macworld Expo in San Francisco, Calif. The new drives sport sustained data throughput of 35MB/s, according to LaCie.
The new 120GB drive is targeted at video users, according to LaCie. The 120GB model uses a 7,200 RPM mechanism, and can store more than 30 hours of MPEG-2 video, or 10 hours of uncompressed DV. The 160GB model is based on a 5,400 RPM mechanism and can store more than 300 hours of CD-quality audio. Both drives feature a 2MB buffer.
LaCie product manager Olivier Mirloup explained that the new drives are able to transfer data at a sustained rate of 35MB/s because they sport a new two-chip single firmware interface that eliminates performance problems associated with the IDE drive and the FireWire interface.
“With twice the transfer rate of first-generation FireWire drives, the new hard drives open up the data pipe that today’s higher-performance video production and content development computers offer. Users won’t have to worry about data, quality or frame loss anymore when they are using our new FireWire drives,” said Mirloup.
The drives also feature low noise and low idle power consumption, according to LaCie. The 120GB model has an acoustic rating of 3.6 decibels, and an idle power consumption of 3.75 watts.
LaCie said the drive will be released in February. The 120GB model will retail for US$399 and the 160GB will cost $449. Both drives include a FireWire cable, internal international power supply, and LaCie’s own Silverlining Pro drive utility.