More than twenty years ago, the Scottish industrial designer Neil Poulton revolutionized the external storage market by introducing an instantly recognizable device that became iconic in creative and professional communities: LaCie’s Rugged line. Its distinguishing feature, an unmistakable bright orange protective bumper, was not merely a stylistic flourish but a crucial safeguard against the most common threat to portable data—accidental drops. This clever blend of design language and practical engineering earned the Rugged family a reputation for reliability and toughness in the field while also assuring users that their valuable files could endure the hazards of a fast-moving, mobile workflow.
Today, continuing in that long tradition of incremental yet meaningful improvements, Seagate has officially unveiled a refreshed model of this celebrated series. The update takes the form of a new iteration of the LaCie Rugged Mini SSD, which not only incorporates subtle adjustments to its appearance but also introduces a major leap forward in performance. The device, now rebranded as the LaCie Rugged SSD4, is already being offered to consumers in three primary storage capacities: 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB. Notably, Seagate has elected to discontinue the smaller 500MB option, likely acknowledging modern demand for higher-capacity storage solutions. Pricing reflects its premium positioning, starting at $134.99 for the entry-level 1TB model, scaling to $249.99 for the 2TB version, and reaching $479.99 for the high-capacity 4TB unit.
Although the physical dimensions of the Rugged SSD4 remain unchanged from its predecessor, the external casing now features a brushed aluminum finish, which not only provides a refined and professional aesthetic but also enhances tactile grip and durability. Another detail worth mentioning is the relocation of the USB-C port; previously positioned slightly off-center, it is now neatly aligned in the middle of the device, creating a more symmetrical and polished design. Beneath these visual adjustments lies the most significant advancement: the drive is equipped to handle transfer speeds up to 40Gbps, delivering remarkable read rates of 4,000MB per second and write performance of 3,000MB per second. In comparison, the previous Rugged Mini SSD was capped at read speeds of around 2,000MB per second and had a smoother aluminum exterior. Thus, the SSD4 effectively doubles performance benchmarks, making it a compelling upgrade for anyone handling large-scale data transfers, video editing, or high-resolution media workflows.
While this new release is undeniably faster than its immediate predecessor, it does not quite overtake Seagate’s top-tier model. Earlier this year at CES, the company showcased the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5, which pushes the limits with an astonishing 6,700MB per second read and 5,300MB per second write speed. However, despite not reaching those elite benchmarks, the Rugged SSD4 holds its own in the arena of practicality. When paired with devices such as a USB-C equipped iPhone, this portable SSD is optimized to capture professional-grade ProRes 4K footage recorded at a demanding 120 frames per second—an impressive feat that underscores its applicability for creative professionals in film, photography, and content creation.
In terms of durability, Seagate has maintained the protective standards that users have come to expect from the Rugged series. The SSD4 retains its IP54 rating, a designation that provides a strong defense against dust intrusion and limited resistance to water exposure. This means the unit can comfortably withstand scenarios such as light rain or accidental splashes, but it should never be fully submerged, as it is not engineered for complete waterproofing. Additionally, the brightly colored bumper remains an integral component, reinforcing its resilience against drops from elevations as high as ten feet. Although this durability is impressive, the feature is intended for accident protection rather than deliberate stress tests, and Seagate stops short of encouraging reckless handling.
Taken together, the LaCie Rugged SSD4 embodies a deliberate balance of style, ruggedness, and cutting-edge performance. By staying faithful to Poulton’s original philosophy of combining visual identity with technical functionality while expanding speed and capacity to meet contemporary needs, this latest release ensures that the Rugged line continues to be a cornerstone for creators, professionals, and anyone requiring secure and portable data storage in unpredictable environments.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/776676/seagate-lacie-rugged-ssd4-external-drive-apple-prores-4k
