Storage peripheral maker LaCie has announced performance increases for its PocketDrive line, and has also introduced a new higher capacity 48GB model.
The PocketDrive incorporates support for both USB and FireWire, using U&I — LaCie’s term for dual-support functionality. PocketDrives are offered in 10GB, 20GB, 30GB and 48GB capacities. The drives utilize a new FireWire-to-IDE bridge developed by LaCie. Using ATA 66 disks, the PocketDrive line now provides data transfer rates of up to 35MB/second, twice the speed of traditional FireWire disks, according to LaCie. The drives utilize Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) motor technology, which reduces the drives’ noise level by 20 percent.
PocketDrives measure 3.5 inches by 5.75 inches by 1 inch and weigh less than a pound. LaCie said the drives are well suited to audio and video transfer, large graphics files, full disk backups and any other application where you might need gigabytes of storage capacity in an easily transportable form. The 48GB drive, for example, can store more than 20 hours of MPEG-2 video or more than 70 hours of CD-quality audio.
The PocketDrive is available with a US$30 rebate, bringing suggested retail prices to $249 for the 10GB model, $349 for the 20GB model, $449 for the 30GB model and $849 for the 48GB model. The drives include USB and FireWire cables, an international power supply, and Silverlining Pro drive management software.
LaCie is exhibiting at Macworld Expo in New York this week — look for them in booth 1913.
Note: When you purchase something after clicking links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Read our affiliate link policy for more details.