LaCie Rugged Safe Biometric Portable HDD

LaCie have outed their latest portable hard-drive, and as well as being protected from bumps and drops, it's also secure in terms of unauthorised access.  The LaCie Rugged Safe packs 500GB or 1TB of storage into a shock-proof enclosure, with a biometric fingerprint scanner on top that unlocks its 128-bit AES hardware encryption.

Both USB and FireWire connectivity is supported, and the drive – and fingerprint scanner – are both bus-powered for ease of use.  There's also apparently no driver to install; plug in the Rugged Safe, swipe, and you're good to go.  That should hopefully make usage more straightforward on machines where you don't have administrator rights.

Up to ten different user profiles are supported, and LaCie bundle both FireWire and USB cables – and a two-port USB power cable – in the box.  It's available now, priced at $189.99 for the 500GB model and $299.99 for the 1TB.

Press Release:

LaCie's Rugged Now with Encryption for Maximum Data Security

• 128-bit AES hardware encryption
• Biometric authentication technology
• Mac® and PC compatible
• Bus-powered for full mobility

LaCie today announced the safest mobile hard drive on the market – the LaCie Rugged Safe, offering multiple levels of data protection. The Rugged Safe features unbreakable 128-bit AES hardware encryption, the safest biometric authentication technology, and a shock-proof enclosure.

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Designed for people on the go, the LaCie Rugged Safe is bus-powered through USB or FireWire and is compatible with Mac or PC. Where other safe products require software installation on every workstation, the Rugged Safe is plug & play. Once configured, it will grant a user access to his or her data on any computer with a single finger swipe.

More than just a superior solution for portability, the Rugged Safe combines a 128-bit AES encryption engine and biometric fingerprint access – preventing unauthorized access. Professionals can protect and share sensitive files or intellectual property with up to 10 registered users.

"The LaCie Rugged Safe was developed to enable professional or private users to protect their valuable data and intellectual property from theft and unauthorized access," said Erwan Girard, LaCie Business Unit manager. "We've synthesized a range of technologies to ensure this device is the safest and most mobile storage solution – a real vault for your data."

Like its award-winning cousin, the LaCie Rugged Hard Drive, the Rugged Safe was designed by the world-famous designer, Neil Poulton. With its protective rubber bumper and internal hard drive mounted on four independent suspensions, the Rugged Safe is shock-resistant for maximum reliability and data protection.

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The Rugged Safe comes with a superior three-year limited warranty and includes the easy-to-use and customizable LaCie Backup Assistant for Mac and PC users.

Availability

The LaCie Rugged Safe will be available in 500GB through the LaCie Online Store, LaCie Corner, LaCie Reseller+ and LaCie Storage Partner starting at the suggested retail price of $189.99 (excluding VAT). For more information, visit www.lacie.com.

About Neil Poulton

Neil Poulton was born in Thurso, Scotland. A graduate in Industrial Design from Edinburgh University and Milan's Domus Academy, Poulton first came into public view in 1989 as the creator of "the ageing pens," pens made from a "living," wearing plastic that changes color and form with use. Today, Neil Poulton designs and develops best-selling, award-winning products for a variety of international clients including LaCie & Artemide. Since 1991, Poulton has lived and worked in Paris, France. www.neilpoulton.com

About LaCie

Located in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong, LaCie is the leading manufacturer of computer peripherals for Windows, Apple and Linux users. LaCie creates external storage solutions and color monitors that help professionals and everyday people easily manage their digital lives. LaCie has differentiated its products through original designs and leading-edge technology. Established in France in 1989, LaCie is listed on Euronext under FR0000054314 (LAC). For more information, visit www.lacie.com

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