LaCie Press Release

LaCie Introduces New d2 Hard Drive Range With Unrivaled Speed, Capacity and Design

August 16, 2005 - LaCie continues to break the boundaries of speed, capacity and design with the launch of its fourth-generation d2 Extreme range of external hard drives. This award-winning range of drives combines unrivaled features and benefits including:

  * Capacity: from 160GB to 2TB in ultra-compact metal case
  * Speed: up to an amazing 88MB/s per drive and 800Mbits/s per bus
  * Connectivity: FireWire 800, FireWire 400/iLink, Hi-Speed USB 2.0
  * Reliability: ultra-quiet smart fan on some models and improved natural heat dissipation
  * Versatility: daisy-chain, stack, stand upright or mount in a rack

LaCie d2 Extreme drives are ideal for audio/video editors who demand professional performance to edit, store and exchange large projects, even in cross-platform environments (Mac and Windows). Home users will benefit from the d2 Extreme’s ease of use. No software or drivers are needed, just plug into any Mac or PC and gain immediate access to extra storage space for images, music, personal backups and more.*

“For more than 16 years, LaCie has been a technological pioneer in the external hard drive market,” says Olivier Mirloup, LaCie Senior Product Manager. “In 2002 we beat everyone to the punch with a combo FireWire 800/USB 2.0 interface. We introduced a 500GB model that quickly doubled to 1TB, and this year broke the record with an unprecedented 2TB external drive. These fourth-generation d2 Extreme drives combine the best of these tech leadership efforts: versatility with three connection options, speed with built-in RAID 0, improved heat dissipation, largest capacity—always in the same compact metal enclosures that are recognized far and wide.”

LaCie d2 Extreme drives comes in the following three case sizes:

LaCie Bigger Disk Extreme for professional use comes in a compact 5.25’’ 2U design and offers fast data transfer rates of up to 88MB/s and 800Mbits/s per bus with FireWire 800. Drives feature special new pipes that help draw heat away from the hard drive, as well as automatic temperature-controlled smart fans that shut off when not needed making them even quieter than previous generation Bigger Disk Extremes. Available capacities include 1TB ($899), 1.2TB ($1099) and 2TB ($2299).

LaCie Big Disk Extreme for professional use comes in a compact 5.25’’ 1U design and offers the same fast data transfer rates and heat dissipation features as the Bigger Disk Extreme. Available capacities include 1TB ($1199), 600GB ($479) and 500GB ($399).

LaCie d2 Extreme for home use comes in a compact 3.5’’ 1U design and offers data transfer rates of up to 64MB/s with FireWire 800. Drives are equipped with standard heat dissipation features. Available capacities include 160GB ($179), 250GB ($219), 300GB ($259) and 500GB ($599).

Availability
LaCie d2 Extremes are available online today at the LaCie Store (http://www.lacie.com/shop) and will be widely available through LaCie’s specialized dealer network later this month at the suggested prices above. Drives ship with all necessary cables. Detailed product information can be found at http://www.lacie.com/products/range.htm?id=10033.

About LaCie
LaCie creates external storage solutions and color monitors that help professionals and everyday users easily manage their digital lives. Powerful technology combined with unique designs by the internationally acclaimed Philippe Starck, Neil Poulton and Porsche Design GmbH make LaCie the world leader in storage innovation. Established in France in 1989, LaCie is now headquartered in North America, Europe and Asia and listed on the Paris Nouveau Marché (code 5431). For more information, visit www.lacie.com.