LaCie Bringing Thunderbolt Support To Little Big Disk, More HDDs Soon

And just like that, Apple's Thunderbolt I/O port has some company. LaCie, which has obviously been a big-time proponent of supporting Apple interface options. They've had FireWire ports on their devices for as long as we can remember, and now they're one of the first companies out of the gate to vouch for Apple's newest connector. Well, Intel's connector, but Apple's using it. The next-generation Little Big Disk will feature high-speed Thunderbolt technology, and as Apple brings that connector to more and more Macs, it'll become more and more essential for A/V professionals.

Thunderbolt's capable of delivering files at 10Gbps, and it runs two protocols at the same time (PCI Express and DisplayPort) over the same, single cable. Using a single Thunderbolt cable, users can connect their notebooks to high resolution displays, cameras and storage -- all at the same time -- for a fast, simple, and portable computing environment. LaCie's not saying much else about the new product, other than it will be available this summer with a TBD price. They're also admitting that this is just the first in a line of Thunderbolt products, so speed demons who are fans of LaCie need not worry that the connector is coming to more products, pronto.

LaCie Introduces Little Big Disk, Featuring High-Speed Thunderbolt Technology

LaCie today announced the LaCie Little Big Disk featuring the all-new Thunderbolt™ technology, developed by Intel® and brought to market with collaboration from Apple®. Designed to store large audio and video files, the LaCie Little Big Disk will bring a new level of performance to creative workflows with ultra-fast data transfer, complete system backup in minutes, and faster content editing than ever before.
 
"Thunderbolt technology is a breakthrough in I/O technology and represents the future of mobile computing. Soon you will be able to carry workstation-class power and functionality in compact devices," said Philippe Spruch, Chairman and General Manager, LaCie. "LaCie is excited to be one of the first to deliver Thunderbolt technology with the LaCie Little Big Disk."  

"Intel believes Thunderbolt technology in combination with LaCie's unique portfolio of storage products and displays will drive new levels of performance and simplicity for consumers," said Jason Ziller, Director, Thunderbolt Planning and Marketing, Intel Corporation.
 
Thunderbolt technology delivers incredible bandwidth at 10Gbps and runs two protocols (PCI Express and DisplayPort) simultaneously over a single cable for connectivity to high performance peripherals like the LaCie Little Disk and high-resolution displays. Created with mobile and media professionals in mind, Thunderbolt technology moves content with blazing speed and facilitates complete system backups in minutes. Using a single Thunderbolt cable, users can connect their notebooks to high resolution displays, cameras and storage -- all at the same time -- for a fast, simple, and portable computing environment.
 
The LaCie Little Big Disk can deliver multiple streams of HD video and offload hours of content in minutes without compromising bandwidth and performance. With the LaCie Little Big Disk, speeds that previously were only available from rack mounted storage arrays are now possible with a portable computer - including Apple's MacBook® Pro, the first notebook to feature Thunderbolt technology. Users will be able to edit on-set during a day of filming, and then transfer all of the assets for the edit suite within seconds. The LaCie Little Big Disk can even be daisy chained for storage expansion or connecting other peripherals.

 
AVAILABILITY

The LaCie Little Big Disk will be the first in a range of storage and peripherals solutions from LaCie that feature Thunderbolt technology. The Little Big Disk will be available by summer 2011 from the LaCie Online Store (www.lacie.com), the Apple Store (www.apple.com) and authorized resellers. For more information please visit www.lacie.com.