Reprinted from a LaCie press release:
LaCie, a leading producer of state-of-the-art storage devices, continues its tradition of breaking barriers with the introduction of the first compact 1TB external hard drive – the LaCie Bigger Disk. A unique innovation, the LaCie Bigger Disk combines unprecedented storage capacity with universal convenience: dual FireWire 800 ports, one FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 ports. The LaCie Bigger Disk comes in our versatile d2 design, offering fast 7200 rpm mechanisms and boasting transfer rates up to 800Mbits/sec. Perfect for workgroups sharing large amounts of data, backing up complete systems and audio and DV use.
The LaCie Bigger Disk delivers a 1TB (1000GB) storage capacity in a convenient 5.25″ compact form factor and requires no drivers for setup. This quick set-up drive will have users up and running in no time, unlike complicated and heavy RAID towers. Directly attach 1TB of storage capacity to any USB or FireWire equipped PC or workstation, the LaCie Bigger Disk is an easy way to archive and backup huge amounts of information for personal use or to share across a network. The LaCie Bigger Disk can also alleviate network bottlenecks by serving as an efficient data shuttle. Simply move the Bigger Disk from one computer to another using the plug & play functionality, and transfer Gigabytes of data in seconds, without tying up network resources. When formatted, this enormous amount of storage can hold up to 1 year and 9 months* of continuous music, 1 month* of non-stop MPEG2 Video or 3 days* of uncompressed DV video.
“We are very excited to be able to offer a 1TB Bigger Disk that delivers high performance and ease-of-use” Olivier Mirloup, LaCie’s Senior Product Manager explains. “The Bigger Disk is the first plug and play device with 1TB of storage in a compact 5.25″ desktop unit.”
The LaCie Bigger Disk features an on/off button, but also offers a unique automatic startup, shutdown and hibernation option to reduce excess noise and save energy. Ideal for audio users looking for a noise-free work environment, the Bigger Disk features an ultra quiet operating mode. Engineered out of aluminum and ZAMAC; this metal alloy dissipates heat from the drive and prolongs drive performance.
Offering a 5.25″ form factor, the LaCie Bigger Disk simplifies the placement in tight office environments. The multi-purpose d2 design is stackable and can be positioned upright on a removable foot. An optional rackmount kit enables placement in a standard 19″ rack. In addition to ensuring data integrity, the LaCie Big Disk also has a slot for the use of KensingtonTM-style chain locks for extra security.
Availability
The LaCie Bigger Disk will be available beginning in January, 2004 through LaCie authorized resellers, specialist stores and mail order partners, with a suggested retail price of $1199. Prices include a one-year warranty, four interface cables (FireWire 800 (9:9-pin), FireWire 400 (6:6-pin), Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and an iLink cable (6:4pin)). Also included is Silverlining Pro for Mac OS 9.x, Silverlining 98 for Windows 98SE and SilverKeeper 1.1, an easy back-up software, for Mac OS 9 & X. Drive operation at 800Mbits/s speeds requires Macintosh OS X, Windows 2000 or Windows XP, and a compatible OHCI FireWire 800 interface.
