Neil Poulton’s design innovation with LaCie’s Rugged line, introduced two decades ago, included a bright orange bumper intended for data protection against drops. Seagate has recently announced an updated version known as the LaCie Rugged SSD4, which features slight design modifications and significant improvements in transfer speeds.
The Rugged SSD4 is available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities, priced at $134.99, $249.99, and $479.99, respectively. The model retains the same dimensions as its predecessor but now includes a brushed aluminum finish and a centrally located USB-C port. It offers transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, with 4,000MB/s for read operations and 3,000MB/s for write operations. In comparison, the earlier Rugged Mini SSD had an off-center USB-C port, a smoother aluminum finish, and a maximum read speed of 2,000MB/s.
While the Rugged SSD4 does not reach the speeds of the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5, introduced earlier this year, it is capable of capturing ProRes 4K footage at 120fps when connected to a USB-C iPhone.
The Rugged SSD4 maintains a similar IP54 rating as its predecessor, offering protection against dust and water, although it is not fully waterproof. It can withstand splashes but should not be submerged in water. Additionally, the orange bumper enables it to survive drops from heights of nearly 10 feet, although users are advised against careless handling.
This updated model aims to appeal to users seeking durable and high-speed external storage solutions for various applications.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/776676/seagate-lacie-rugged-ssd4-external-drive-apple-prores-4k