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LaCie's Rugged Thunderbolt with USB-C is a drive that needs no introduction: in shape, color and features it is an icon of the Hard Drive market.
The new version, with double Thunderbolt 2 and USB-C connector, represents on the one hand a sturdy drive for those who are always on the go and are not afraid of falls (and consequent data loss), on the other a ideal bridge for those with more than one computer, with different connection standards.
Rugged Thunderbolt with USB-C: everywhere, but with style
Removing the Rugged Thunderbolt disk with USB-C from the box you immediately realize that the cables included are two, plus the one integrated in the case: the disk is therefore compatible directly with computers with USB-C connector, but also with the old USB-A and of course with Thunderbolt 2 connector, practically covering all PCs or Macs released in the last twenty years (in the memory of the writer).
The two cables USB-C / USB-C and USB-C / USB-A come in different colors, probably not to confuse users: the USB-C connection is quite well known, but we're sure more than a few users will look at it wondering what it is. it deals with.
The rear protection, removable, for dust or sand 
The two cables USB-C / USB_C (Orange) and USB-C / USB-A (Black) 
For the rest the disc has a flashy look, given by the very bright orange bumper and that over the years and in the numerous incarnations (here the one with SSD, Thunderbolt and USB 3.0, which we reviewed some time ago) has stood out in the market for its originality and safety.
The bumper in fact can also be removed, leaving a disc quite anonymous and in any case invalidating the main purpose of the disc, that of protecting the internal mechanics.
The advantage of this disc is in fact that it can really take ov unque: it fits comfortably in a computer bag or jacket pocket and above all it is not afraid of use in inaccessible environments such as a forest, a sidewalk, a rock (think of many photographers or videomakers who are, for work, often forced to not really suitable for devices of this type).
Inside the package there are also two protections, removable, suitable for closing the rear part of the disc, thus avoiding the infiltration of dirt or sand : praise to LaCie for putting in two, in case we lose the first one.
Fast enough to saturate the bandwidth
We tried the LaCie drive in all possible ways: with the USB-A cable connected to an iMac with USB 3.0, with the USB- C to the same iMac with USB-C (here our review of the new 21.5 “iMac) and finally with another iMac with the Thunderbolt 2 connection, reporting more or less the same results of just over 110 MB / S in reading and some he number of more readings.
Considering that Thunderbolt and USB-C are capable of offering a much higher speed than the tried and tested USB 3.0, we are probably dealing with a very large data channel which, however, saturates the capacity of the internal 5400 rpm disk so we have three connections all higher than what the disk can offer.
The possibility of having as many as three possible connections is therefore not an important data in terms of speed , because this disk (and with it the whole category of 2.5 “disks) cannot go faster than that, but a factor of extreme convenience, since the disk can connect to practically all existing computers on the market today and probably for the next ten years.
Not only that, when communicating with Macs it can take advantage of the USB-C or Thunderbolt 2 port, leaving the USB-A ports free, which are always full of connected devices.
Connection with USB 3.0 
Connection with U SB-C 
Connection with Thunderbolt 2
Supplied software
From a software point of view, LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt with USB-C is well supplied: the utility LaCie setup assistant recognizes the device and allows you to format it correctly.
The wizard asks if we want a device that can also be read by a Windows PC (with a dedicated partition) or for Mac exclusive use, so without wasting space and with greater speed.
Users can decide between these two options and , in the case of the first, also how much space to dedicate to the partition for Mac and how much to dedicate to the one for Windows.
Considerations
Rugged Thunderbolt with USB-C is a great 2.5 “external drive, combining high transfer speed with a very comfortable versatility as regards the connection ports.
The shape with bumper is suitable for travelers, but in the end it is c comfortable and intriguing for everyone: the list price is important, but it is necessary to consider all the accessory functions and a particular, comfortable and refined design.
LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt with USB-C, like all the other LaCie products, is distributed in Italy by Attiva, and can be found in the various Apple Premium Resellers of the peninsula, but it is also possible to find it online.
Pro :
Against:
Price : 259.99 Euro (for the 2 TB model)
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