BIOS: Technology Means Business

LaCie has added a Serial ATA (SATA) model to its range of external hard disks. The d2 Serial ATA (SATA) is ideal for relatively high-capacity storage, backup or booting from, and comes with an exclusive LaCie 2-in-1 SATA+Power PCI card for both PCs and Macs. Boasting high-performance capacities of up to 400GB, 7200rpm spin speeds (10,000rpm on 74GB model) and a 16MB buffer, the drives (160x173x44mm, 1.5kg) offer claimed transfer rates of up to 1.5Gbit/s (150MB/s) and average seek times of 11ms, which is great for backing up large volumes of images, video or audio. Available from the New Year, the external drives will be available with capacities of 74- (£235 ex. VAT), 160- (£141 ex. VAT), 250- (£177 ex. VAT) or 400GB (£288 ex. VAT), and will come bundled with LaCie's Storage Utilities and SilverKeeper software. They can also be mounted into 19in. server racks, should you want to use them for backing up servers and workstations.

Pros: Includes SATA PCI card and backup software; rack mountable
Cons: SATA interface only; no encryption or data privacy software

Edited Release: LaCie introduces a new series of external hard disk for the Mac and PC, the d2 Serial ATA (SATA) Hard Drive that is capable of reaching transfer rates of 1.5Gbit/s making it a smart choice for applications requiring high-speed data transfer. With the new external SATA, or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment, interface, people can achieve transfer rates faster than most internal Parallel ATA hard drives in capacities of up to 400GB. Availability of the drives, which includes a unique LaCie SATA PCI Card, is winter 2004.

'LaCie employs the latest hard drive technology in the d2 SATA Hard Drive offering capacities of up to 400GB with fastest 10,000rpm speed on the 74GB model,' says Olivier Mirloup, LaCie senior product manager. 'These high-performance drives make it possible for PC and Mac workstations to handle professional, speed-intensive applications including large-scale backup, graphic design work and digital video projects'

Serial ATA is a new way of connecting external hard drives directly to a computer, which allows for increased performance and reliability. By connecting directly to the LaCie SATA PCI Card, people can achieve maximum transfer rates of up to 1.5Gbit/s. This unique card includes two SATA ports, as well as two power ports that provide power directly to the attached LaCie d2 SATA Hard Drive to alleviate the need for a cumbersome AC adapter. Designed for professional use with Windows XP/2000/NT and Macintosh OS 10.x, the LaCie SATA drive and PCI card bundle offers high-end backup and storage for those who require maximum performance and reliability.

A true native SATA solution, the LaCie d2 SATA Hard Drive is an ideal solution for fast booting and backup. Drives are hot-pluggable with Windows XP and Mac OS 10.3.x and feature the stylish, metallic d2 design crafted from sturdy aluminium alloy for portability and protection. An included drive stand provides stability and allows for upright desktop use to save valuable desk space, while an optional rack-mounting kit enables placement in standard 19-inch racks.

The LaCie d2 SATA Hard Drive will be available winter 2004 through LaCie authorised resellers, specialist stores and mail order partners. Drives ship with the LaCie SATA PCI Card, a SATA PCI-HOST adapter, and power supply. Works with Mac OS 10.x or Windows XP/2000/NT4. Software bundle includes the LaCie Storage Utilities CD-ROM with SilverKeeperTM backup software for Mac OS X. US warranty is one year; Europe is two years. Compatible with KensingtonTM security locks.