LaCie: d2 Thunderbolt 2 Solution

LaCie S.A announced an evolution of its d2 desktop storage line.

The latest LaCie d2 features an all-aluminum unibody enclosure, dual Thunderbolt 2, and USB 3.0. Plus, the company designed it to be upgradable to  SSDd, which boosts speeds up to 1,150MB/s. Bringing together speeds and smart industrial design, it builds for performance and reliability.

Speed and versatility
The solution combines the latest interfaces and a Seagate 6TB 7200rpm professional HDD, resulting in speeds of up to 220MB/s. This speed makes it possible to reduce backup and transfer times as well as store and browse a RAW Adobe Lightroom library with zero lag. High performance makes it a solution for storing large files and archiving projects. The dual Thunderbolt 2 ports let the user daisy chain up to six devices to a single Thunderbolt port on a computer. Plus, since Thunderbolt 2 and USB 3.0 are backward compatible, the user always gets the best speeds that their computer allows.

“My images are my lifeline and delivering projects to my clients promptly is paramount,” said photographer Seth Resnick. “When it comes to speed and integrity, the new LaCie d2 is a game changer. The SSD upgrade provides the speed boost I need to instantly review and edit my latest shoot in Lightroom, while the 6TB volume is convenient for storing my projects. The d2 brings the best of both worlds together in a single solution that optimizes my workflow.“

Upgradable to external hybrid storage
To multiply speeds by a factor of five, users can install the SSD Upgrade (sold separately). It increases speeds up to 1,150MB/s and adds 128GB of PCIe SSD storage. This speed exceeds the performance of even the internal SSD on a late-model PC or Mac computer. Remove the rear panel and install the upgrade. Two separate drives mount on the computer – one for the SSD and one for the HDD. Use the SSD for bandwidth-intensive tasks, such as fast file transfers, audio mixing, video editing, or OS booting, and the HDD for file archiving.

Design and features
When recreating the design of the d2, the company focused on reliability and usability for professionals. The all-aluminum unibody enclosure is forged from a single sheet of aluminum, providing rigidity for long-term durability. The enclosure also draws heat away from the HDD, allowing fan-free cooling. The integrated base extends the surface area, providing more space for heat dissipation. A cushioning base and vibration-absorbing HDD mounts combine to reduce vibration. Plus, an integrated cable lock prevents accidental disconnection of interface or power cables. The results of these features are a long lifespan for components and quiet operation.

Thanks to a bundled professional backup software suite and compatibility with Time Machine and Windows Backup, it includes everything needed for backup. This product also includes the company’s Private-Public software, which prevents unauthorized access by password-protecting volumes with AES 256-bit encryption.

The d2 Thunderbolt 2, design by Neil Poulton, will be available this month through Apple and LaCie in 3TB ($299.00 / €279), 4TB ($399.00 / €379) and 6TB ($499.00 / €479) capacities.

The 128GB SSD Upgrade ($299.00) will be available in October.

The LaCie d2 will also be offered in a USB 3.0-only version in 3TB, 4 TB, and 5 TB capacities, available in October.

The LaCie d2 features a three-year limited warranty that includes complimentary web-based resources, expert in-house technical support, and worldwide repair and/or replacement coverage. It is possible to upgrade this service with warranty extensions, fast product replacement and even data recovery services.