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Seagate Technology’s LaCie brand announced the addition of USB–C technology to its Porsche Design Mobile Drive.
The product combines the recently unveiled USB–C standard with the style features of the company’s Porsche Design line, and is marketed as a natural pair to the latest MacBook, which was announced last week.
The drive’s USB 3.0 interface delivers speeds up to 100 Mbps, which lets users quickly back up or exchange photos and videos. The drive also features an enclosure made from 3 mm–thick solid aluminum.
“New technologies allow us to deliver better products to our customers. USB-C brings a new level of convenience and usability to our storage products,” Erwan Girard, business unit manager for LaCie, told eWEEK. “There are many exciting new developments for 2015 and we look forward to being on the forefront of these new technologies.”
The drive will be available next quarter in 500 GB (slim size), 1 TB and 2 TB capacities through the company’s online store and through LaCie resellers, the company said.
Featuring the same aluminum finish as the latest MacBook, it is Time Machine compatible, so Mac users can use the LaCie Mobile Drive to back up files using built-in software.
“We’ve been working with Porsche Design for more than 10 years,” Girard said. “It’s a great partnership, with Porsche Design bringing style and LaCie adding its tech expertise. For LaCie design is about much more than looks. The design must have a purpose. For example the aluminum looks great, but more importantly it dissipates heat better than plastic and is more durable.”
An included adapter cable makes it is compatible with standard USB 3.0 (Type–A) or USB 2.0 ports.
In addition, Automatic Eco Mode lowers power consumption by up to 95 percent when the product is not in use, increasing the battery life of the notebook, and LaCie Private-Public software is built in, to provide file protection, the company said.
Private-Public software offers password protection and encryption. With the software sitting on a LaCie USB Key or any other mobile device, it does not need to be installed on a computer to run.
When on the move, the user plugs in the key, launches Private-Public and enters the password to gain access to all files, whether they’re on a Mac or a PC.
The Mobile Drive features a two–year limited warranty that includes comprehensive, complimentary Web–based resources, expert in–house technical support, and worldwide repair or replacement coverage.
It is also possible to upgrade the service with warranty extensions and fast product replacement.
“You can expect LaCie to announce more USB-C devices and continue to collaborate with leading industrial designers,” Girard added.