LaCie FastKey: SSD In A USB 3.0 Flash Drive

And LaCie does it again. The company has been well known for producing the most stylish storage options the industry has to offer, and yet again LaCie has meshed style and speed together into one compact package.


The new LaCie FastKey is a new breed of flash drive. Rather than using the traditional flash memory, LaCie has relied on internal SSD storage to provide a lightning quick offering. It's basically solid state memory on a USB key, and the unit itself is made of metal in order to maintain rigidity. It will be available in 30GB, 60GB and 120GB options, all of which will include 4GB of online Wuala storage.

Pricing is steep, but it's definitely quick thanks to the USB 3.0 interface. MSRPs range from $149.99 for the smallest version to $479.99 on the most expensive. Yikes!

Fast and Tiny: LaCie FastKey Goes from 0 to 260MB/s in 26cm3

Today LaCie announces the smallest SSD USB 3.0 drive, delivering speeds up to 260MB/s – LaCie FastKey. Small enough to hide in the palm of your hand, LaCie's FastKey can transfer 1000 mp3 or five DIVX files in less than 60 seconds.

100 Times Faster than USB 2.0
While the FastKey can perform up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0, its peak performance goes far beyond that. Combining the performance of SSD, USB 3.0 and DRAM cache technology, the FastKey can write small files up to 100 times faster than your average USB 2.0 hard drive.

"With most flash drives, transferring a large number of photos and mp3 files can take a few minutes," said Luc Pierart, Business Unit Manager, Personal Storage, LaCie. "With the Fastkey, transferring small files is immediate. You can back up or share your music and photo libraries as you head out the door."

Compact Metal Design
Combining the highly robust solid-state flash technology, with sturdy aluminum casing, the FastKey ensures your data is as safe as it is mobile. But don't mistake its high capacity for a 2.5" mobile SSD. The LaCie FastKey packs 120GB into a sleek flash drive (measuring just 26cm3) with no wasted space. And with the included strap, users can secure the FastKey to a keychain or bag for additional on-the-go convenience.

Full Data Protection
The LaCie FastKey not only protects data from the outside, it includes software AES 256-bit encryption – so your data is secure no matter how it's used. Simply choose the amount of capacity you want to encrypt, and access it with a custom password. Now you can pass the FastKey to colleagues and friends and know your personal files are secure. If privacy is a priority, you can encrypt the full capacity.

For even more storage and sharing options, the LaCie FastKey also comes with 4GB of secure online storage from Wuala.

Availability
The LaCie FastKey is available in 30GB, 60GB and 120GB capacities through the LaCie Online Store, LaCie Corner, and LaCie Reseller+ starting at $149.99. For more product information, visit www.lacie.com.
Tags:  SSD, Storage, USB, LaCie, fastkey