LaCie Rugged USB-C 4TB
Future-proofed bumper storage
£235 FROM lacie.com/uk FEATURES USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1) and USB-A (USB 3.0) cables, 1.2m drop resistance, rain resistance
LaCie has made Rugged drives with a protective bumper for years, and the concept is even more relevant at this capacity. This model has a USB-C port and cable for the latest Macs, a USB-A cable for older models, and the drive is bus-powered.
Inside is a single 4TB disk. LaCie quotes a maximum transfer rate of 130MB/sec. Our tests showed the drive is capable of more than that, peaking at 161.7MB in sequential writes. LaCie’s figure is reasonably close to the mean averages we saw for sequential reads (117.2MB/sec) and writes (119.7MB/sec).
Random read and write operations are much slower on a portable hard disk, yet this one performed no worse than others we’ve tested.
In fact, it delivered slightly faster mean and peak rates, though nothing significant enough to set it apart.
The drive adds 400g to your bag; acceptable, yet not insignificant. LaCie says the drive works, with aesthetic damage, after being driven over with a 1,000kg car.
In less dramatic scenarios, the rubber bumper and the firmness of the metal body instil confidence in the Rugged drive’s durability.