LaCie intros 2Big Quadra storage with quad interface
updated 05:30 pm EST, Tue January 6, 2009
LaCie intros 2Big Quadra
LaCie on Tuesday announced the introduction of the 2big Quadra storage device with a quad interface that includes a fast 3Gbps eSATA port, FireWire 800 and 400 as well as USB 2.0. The dual-bay device can hold as much as 3TB, has a maximum transfer speed of 165MBps and has four RAID modes for enhanced data security. Like the earlier 4Big Quadra, the 2Big features a design penned by Neil Poulton and its drive bays are hot-swappable for no interruptions.
Users can reach data transfer speeds of 165MBps when the 2Big Quadra is configured in RAID 0 and connected through the eSATA 3Gbps connection. The device can also be set to a Mixed mode where a RAID 0 partition will house daily working data while a RAID 1 partition archives key files. For back-up use, the drive is Time Machine compatible and ships with Genie Backup Manager Pro and Intego Backup Manager Pro software.
The LaCie 2big Quadra will ship later in January in 1TB, 2TB and 3TB capacities, with the 1TB version priced at nearly $300.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 1999
Very pleased
I have the 1 terabyte 2Big Triple drive from LaCie. I wanted the capacity, but was concerned about the unproven single 1 TB drives. Two 500 GB drives in a raid seemed more dependable. It has been. I've owned it about 9 months. For a high performance personal drive, it's a much better choice than the Western Digital equivalent. The fan is barely even noticeable. The triple is the same drive as described here, but without the eSATA interface. I use it as a raid 0 drive with Time Machine. It's flawless -- quiet, fast, reliable. I'm sure the eSATA connection is fast, but the Firewire 800 works great, too.