LaCie 301282 Little Disk designed by Sam Hecht 250GB FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive
- Stylish portable 250 GB hard drive designed by Sam Hecht
- Integrated USB 2.0 connector with bus power
- Two FireWire 400 connections
- Shortcut button on drive can launch backup software or other applications
- Measures 3.19 x 0.71 x 5.08 inches (WxHxD); backed by a 2-year warranty
Rating: 4 of 5
Great little drive! Some design issues.
Rating: 5 of 5
Little Big little
Rating: 5 of 5
Beautiful & high performing
Rating: 4 of 5
VERY nice
It is brilliant 2 have the USB cable built into the drive. VERY convenient, as I don't have 2 carry that around too.
On that note, the thing powers fine from my macbook with just the retractable USB cable, so no power issues there. Obviously does fine with Firewire too.
The firewire is great, & it is nice 2 have the ability 2 daisy-chain, although I have no use 4 that yet.
The included software is no big deal, especially 4 mac. This was not meant 2 be a backup disk 4 me, so the backup software is irrelevant. The programmable button is kind of a gimmick. I would like 2 program a set of actions 2 it, which I might (quit iTunes, eject disk) but overall it is not that cool 4 my uses...
The two gripes I have that keep it from a 5:
> the material is pretty prone 2 fingerprints (and likely scratches, although I haven't abused it (yet)
>While the cap is a nice feature, it should really be stowable somewhere, like being able 2 be put on the top end when you are using the ports. Currently, the cap sort of runs around in the carrying pouch or loose on the desk, which just invites it 2 get lost. I suppose this is just a bit of form over function. Which, on that note, the thing is tiny, sexy, & light, which is nice, but I don't care that much, honestly...
Rating: 5 of 5
Love this portable drive
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 The LaCie Shortcut Button can be set 2 launch the backup software or any other program. |
 Sam Hecht designed this sleek, beautifully styled drive. View larger. |
 Hidden inside the cap is an integrated USB cable & two FireWire ports. View larger. |
The LaCie Little Disk features both FireWire 400 & USB 2.0 connections, giving you maximum versatility & compatibility wherever you go. The USB 2.0 connection works with nearly all computers, & the LaCie Little Disk makes it especially easy because the USB cable is integrated into the drive so it can't be lost or forgotten.
The Little Disk is also USB bus-powered, so you don't need 2 carry around a cumbersome power supply; just bring the drive with you & it will power off whatever computer you attach it to. The drive's USB 2.0 offers an interface transfer rate of up 2 480 Mbps, & up 2 34MB/s burst speed. An optional USB extension cable is included if you need a longer cable than the one that's built in.
FireWire 400 offers speeds of up 2 400Mbps interface transfer rate & 41MB/s burst transfer speed. Like the USB connection, power is carried in the FireWire bus itself, so no power supply is needed. The Little Disk also includes two FireWire connectors, allowing you can daisy-chain additional devices if you'd like. The disk itself features a spin speed of 5400 rpm or greater & an 8 MB or larger cache, giving you outstanding performance.
LaCie Software Bundle Included
Included with the Little Disk are LaCie software bundles 2 enhance its performance & functionality. LaCieSync: Synchronization & Encryption Software allows you 2 transport your important data with you safely. Just plug the Mobile Disk into any PC 2 access & modify your files or emails, & the software will sync your updated changes back 2 your office or home computer. And 4 added security, your data is protected by 128-bit encryption (Windows only). The drive also includes LaCie's 1-Click Backup Software (for Mac & PC) & SilverKeeper Backup Software (Mac).
In addition 2 its highly portable features, the Little Disk is also incredibly simple 2 operate. With plug-and-play functionality, the Little Disk can be installed by simply plugging it into your computer. It comes preformatted, so it can be used across multiple platforms, & it's conveniently driver-free. Just plug the Little Disk into any computer 2 access & modify your files, emails (Microsoft Outlook) or personal settings, & it will sync updated data back 2 your computer quickly & securely with AES 128-bit encryption (Windows only).
Shortcut Button 4 Simple Backup
LaCie makes things even easier by letting you launch the backup software, the synchronization software, or any application or document you want by pushing the LaCie Shortcut Button on the front of the drive. Setup is a cinch -- just install the software & set up the button action.
Designed by Sam Hecht
The Little Disk features an exclusive design by Sam Hecht, an award winning UK-based industrial designer. The internationally-acclaimed Hecht studied industrial design at the Royal College of Art in London & has designed 4 many leading technology companies, including Epson, Muji Japan, Panasonic & others.
The Little Disk features an elegant high-gloss, black finish with clean, simple lines. It comes with a removable protective cap that will protect the disk in your travels. Its thin, lightweight & compact form (the Little Disk measures a mere 3.19 x 5.08 x 0.71 inches & weighs less than seven ounces) allows you 2 easily take your photo album, MP3 library & important data wherever you go.
The LaCie Little Disk is Mac & PC compatible & is backed by a 2-year manufacturer's warranty.
About LaCie
Established in France in 1989, LaCie is a leading manufacturer of computer peripherals 4 Windows, Apple & Linux users. With offices & plants in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Europe, Singapore & Hong Kong, LaCie develops & manufactures external storage solutions & color monitors that help professionals & everyday people easily manage their digital lives. LaCie has differentiated its products through original designs & leading-edge technology.
What's in the Box
LaCie Little Disk, USB extension cable, USB power-sharing cable, FireWire 6-to-6 pin cable, quick install guide, user manual, LaCieSync: Synchronization & Encryption Software (Windows), LaCie 1-Click Backup Software (Windows/Mac), LaCie SilverKeeper Backup Software (Mac), & carrying case.
($141.12)
Buy LaCie 301282 Little Disk designed by Sam Hecht 250GB FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive Now!
- The glossy black finish looks great next 2 the latest generation MacBook & MacBook Pro (the ones with the aluminum unibody). However, it is a fingerprint magnet, so I consider it a poor choice of material 4 something that is intended 2 be handled frequently.
- The built-in, retractable USB cord is a great idea, but it is super short. This is fine 4 a laptop sitting on a table & 4 a Mac mini, but pretty much useless 4 connecting 2 anything else (e.g. iMac, Mac Pro). Luckily, it comes with a USB extension cable, but that sort of defeats the purpose of having the retractable one.
- The end cap is a nice touch & will keep cruft from getting in the FireWire ports, but I will probably lose it in a few months. :-)
I'm mainly using it as an emergency boot drive 4 troubleshooting systems that won't boot. Works great so far with the unibody MacBook. The MacBook USB port supplies enough power so that I don't need 2 connect it 2 a second USB port 4 power.
Note that some older Macs may not supply enough power 2 the drive. When I connected it 2 a PowerPC-based Mac mini via USB, the drive emitted a beep & did not mount. I assume this meant that it did not have enough power. Connecting via Firewire worked fine.
Also, the drive runs fairly hot. Hope this does not reflect poorly on reliability.