With its high capacity the new drives are targeted to the digital content creators, who typically use large volumes of drive space for video and storing multimedia projects. According to LaCie, the 250GB model can store the equivalent of a 385 CD-Juke-Box or 50,000 MP3 songs; more than 20 hours of uncompressed Digital Video, the equivalent of 28 personal DVD-Video (MPEG2); and days of compressed video (MPEG4).
“Our new d2 range was conceived by creators, for creators,” said Kristen Weidner-Nguyen, LaCie’s Product Manager. “Combining technological, ergonomic and aesthetic techniques, our new range was ultimately designed to offer a storage solution that is powerful, secure, easy-to-use, and respectful of users in their work environments.”
The new models use an upright aluminum design introduced on earlier drives, which dissipates heat from the drive and prolongs drive performance, according to the company. The drives also offer a physical security feature that allows the use of Kensington compatible chain locks.
The drives come in 60GB, 80GB, 120GB, 200GB and 250Gb capacities. Prices start at US$199 for the 60GB model and rise to $549 for the 250GB drive.