LaCie Little Disk 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive, Design by Sam Hecht 301841

by LaCie

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 6 x 3 inches ; 0.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001CHFZ14
• Item model number: 301841
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 7, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The LaCie 301841 Little Disk 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive, designed exclusively for LaCie by Sam Hecht, is a stylish, compact, portable storage drive that offers plug-and-play simplicity and 500 GB of storage. Just plug the integrated USB 2.0 cable into any laptop or desktop with a USB port and you're ready to back up your computer files or access your data, music, photos and video files.

The LaCie Little Disk 500 GB USB 2.0: Features a stunning design by Sam Hecht. Has a 500 GB drive with a 5400 RPM spin rate and 8 MB of cache for fast performance. Is powered by the USB bus for superior portability. Features an integrated USB cable.

Sam Hecht designed this sleek, beautifully styled drive. View larger.

Hidden beneath the cap is a built-in USB cable. View larger.

Portable, Convenient Data Shuttle
The LaCie Little Disk works without the need for a cable or cumbersome power supply because it's USB 2.0 powered. That means it powers off your computer's USB port, making it an ideal travel companion and the perfect way to transfer files between your work and home computer. The integrated, extractable USB cable pulls out and retracts so it can never be lost or forgotten. And in case your computer configuration requires a longer cable, an optional USB extension cable is also included.

The drive features a spin speed of 5400 RPM, an 8 MB cache, and a transfer rate of up to up to 480 Mbits per second. Included with the Little Disk are LaCie software bundles to enhance its performance and functionality. LaCieSync: Synchronization and Encryption Software allows you to transport your important data with you safely. Just plug the Mobile Disk into any PC to access and modify your files or emails, and the software will sync your updated changes back to your office or home computer. And for added security, your data is protected by 128-bit encryption (Windows only). The drive also includes LaCie's 1-Click Backup Software (for Mac and PC) and SilverKeeper Backup Software (Mac).

In addition to its highly portable features, the Little Disk is also incredibly simple to operate. With plug-and-play functionality, the Little Disk can be installed by simply plugging it into your computer's existing USB port. It comes preformatted, so it can be used across multiple platforms and it's conveniently driver-free. Just plug the Little Disk into any computer to access and modify your files, emails (Microsoft Outlook) or personal settings, and it will sync updated data back to your computer quickly and securely with AES 128-bit encryption (Windows only).

Designed by Sam Hecht
The Little Disk features an exclusive design by Sam Hecht, an award winning UK-based industrial designer. The internationally-acclaimed Hecht studied industrial design at the Royal College of Art in London and has designed for many leading technology companies, including Epson, Muji Japan, Panasonic and others.

The Little Disk features an elegant high-gloss, black finish with clean, simple lines. It comes with a removable protective cap that will protect the disk in your travels. Its thin, lightweight and compact form (the Little Disk measures a mere 3.19 x 5.08 x 0.71 inches and weighs less than seven ounces) allows you to easily take your photo album, MP3 library and important data wherever you go.

The LaCie Little Disk is Mac and PC compatible and is backed by a 2-year manufacturer's warranty.

About LaCie
Established in France in 1989, LaCie is a leading manufacturer of computer peripherals for Windows, Apple and Linux users. With offices and plants in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong, LaCie develops and manufactures external storage solutions and color monitors that help professionals and everyday people easily manage their digital lives. LaCie has differentiated its products through original designs and leading-edge technology.

What's in the Box
LaCie Little Disk, USB extension cable, USB power-sharing cable, quick install guide, user's manual, LaCieSync: Synchronization & Encryption Software (Windows), LaCie 1-Click Backup Software (Windows/Mac), LaCie SilverKeeper Backup Software (Mac), and carrying case.

Product Description

Get stylish, compact, portable storage with the Little Disk, Design by Sam Hecht. Easily carry your photos, music, videos and files on this petite mobile solution. Designed exclusively for LaCie by Sam Hecht, it has a high-gloss, black elegance with clean, simple lines and comes with a removable protective cap. The integrated, extractable USB cable pulls out and retracts so it can never be lost or forgotten. The LaCieSync software allows you to bring your important data with you safely. Just plug the Little Disk into any PC to access and modify your files, emails (Microsoft Outlook) or personal settings and it will sync updated data back to your computer with AES 128-bit encryption (Windows only).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars LaCie Little Disk 500 GB USB, September 21, 2008

By 

Richard Basecki (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: LaCie Little Disk 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive, Design by Sam Hecht 301841 (Personal Computers)

This HD drive works very well. The only problem I have that it requires more power than normal USB port can supply. So I have to use two of my USB ports on my MacBookPro. One port is used to supply power other to connect to USB. I tried to use only one USB port, but drive would mount and then dismount. It was unworkable.
After LaCie tech support explained power problem everything works fine.

42 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Flawed drive---died after two days, May 23, 2008

By 

David Toub (Wyncote, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: LaCie 301278 250GB Little Disk designed by Sam Hecht USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive (Personal Computers)

I had high hopes for this portable drive. The form factor is great, and the pull-out USB cable is a nice touch. It mounted easily on my MacBook Pro and did not need the included power cable. Backup speeds were great and the drive was totally silent. Guess they don't have a fan built in.

Which is why I suspect this drive is a bust. It was reliably backing up my MBP using Time Machine every hour yesterday morning and then started making a clicking noise as I sat there. I unmounted the drive and removed it from the USB port so that it would stop making noise and then replugged it in---the power light came on but the drive wouldn't mount. Same thing if I used the other USB port and even the included USB power adapted. Nothing.

I'm having the drive replaced for a second try, but I'm not optimistic. I've never seen a hard drive die after only two days of use. Reading online forums, it seems that this drive has issues, and one possible reason is the lack of a fan. I'm wondering if the only way to keep this drive alive is to not run frequent backups, and keep it off until one needs to run a backup. Not optimal, of course. The sad thing is that I chose LaCie after finding other drives unreliable (dying after 1-2 years max). I suspect LaCie isn't any different, and may be worse. Anyone else finding issues with this drive model?

UPDATE 12/11/08: Well, after six months of only occasional use, the replacement died as well. LaCie is offering to service or replace it under warranty. Why would I do that? This is clearly a defective product, period. I wouldn't trust my data to it. I'm going to get a replacement drive from Western Digital, which seems to be more reliable. Good luck trying to call tech support---I'm not holding my breath. I want a refund. This is a very defective product---DON'T PURCHASE UNLESS YOU DON"T CARE ABOUT YOUR DATA. Sorry to scream, but I'm angry.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great portable storage!, October 31, 2008

By 

A. C. Kraus - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: LaCie Little Disk 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive, Design by Sam Hecht 301841 (Personal Computers)

This drive, with a few caveats, is one of the best external storage purchases I have ever made. It is lightweight, fast, and imminently portable. Since it is bus powered, there is one fewer adaptor to carry around - however - this does not always work. On older computers, it is often necessary to have two free USB ports (one for power, one for data). A minor annoyance, and less of a problem on newer computers. The built-in USB cable is also a bit fragile, so be careful pulling it out to use. Neither of these issues would prevent me from recommending this drive, and I intend to buy a second one for a total of 1 TB of portable (and quite fashionable) storage!

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