ReviewFinder External Hard Drives

LaCie Rugged Mini

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Storage capacity
Compatibility
Speed
Durability
Connectivity
Design
Warranty
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7 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Expert reviews [7]

70
Total expert reviews: 7
  • with a score: 1
  • without a score: 6
Highest score by Laptop Mag
70
Average score based on 7 reviews
70
Lowest score by Laptop Mag
70

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
The LaCie Rugged Mini is a durable external hard drive that can withstand harsh environments, making it a reliable choice for those who need a rugged drive. However, its performance and price are not as competitive as other options on the market, making it less appealing for those who prioritize speed and value for money.
+ pros
  • The tough exterior ensures durability in harsh environments.
  • It offers ample storage capacities of up to 4TB.
  • The drive is portable and comes with an included USB-C cable for convenience.
  • It includes a backup tool for easy data backup.
- cons
  • The performance is slow compared to other drives in its price range.
  • It lacks password protection for data security.
  • The price is higher than competing drives with similar features.
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Expert consensus

The LaCie Rugged Mini is a highly recommended external hard drive that offers a range of storage capacity options, durable design, and reliable performance for users who need a rugged and portable storage solution.

The LaCie Rugged Mini is a highly recommended external hard drive that offers a range of storage capacity options, including 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB. This makes it ideal for photographers, videographers, and individuals who need to store large amounts of data. The read and write speeds of the drive vary, but it provides reliable performance for data storage.

The LaCie Rugged Mini is highly compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, although it requires reformatting for Mac compatibility. It can be easily set up on both Windows and Mac devices using the provided quick install guide. The drive is compatible with USB 3.

0 and Thunderbolt ports, making it easy to connect to any computer. It does not require any specific software or drivers for basic compatibility, but optional software called Toolkit is available for added features and convenience. The drive has no specific limitations on the types of files that can be stored and can be used with gaming consoles or devices.

In terms of speed, the LaCie Rugged Mini offers varying read and write speeds depending on the interface used. It provides fast transfer times for large files and is compatible with Time Machine on Mac OS X. The drive also offers AES 256-bit encryption for added security, although this may slightly impact read and write speeds.

The LaCie Rugged Mini is highly regarded for its durability, with a brushed aluminum enclosure and a protective orange rubber sleeve that provides shock resistance. It can withstand drops of up to four feet, pressure up to one ton, and is dust and water resistant. However, there are some concerns about the warranty and customer support provided.

The drive is equipped with a single USB 3.0 port, offering fast data transfer speeds and compatibility with a wide range of devices. It also supports USB-C connectivity but does not support Thunderbolt connectivity.

The LaCie Rugged Mini has a compact and portable design, with a bright orange rubber sleeve and a brushed-metal aluminum surface. It is highly durable and suitable for outdoor use. The drive's compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around, making it ideal for users who prioritize portability.

Overall, the LaCie Rugged Mini is a reliable and durable external hard drive that is suitable for users who need a rugged storage solution for their data. It is particularly well-suited for photographers, videographers, and outdoor enthusiasts who require a portable and durable storage option.

Storage capacity

The LaCie Rugged Mini external hard drive offers a maximum storage capacity of 4TB, making it ideal for users who need to store large amounts of data, and provides reliable performance for data storage.

The LaCie Rugged Mini offers a maximum storage capacity of 4TB, allowing users to store a large amount of data, including thousands of videos and pictures, without compromising their quality. The external hard drive is also available in multiple storage capacity options, including 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB.

The higher storage capacity options provide additional space for storing files, making it ideal for photographers, videographers, and individuals who need to store large amounts of data. The read and write speeds of the LaCie Rugged Mini vary depending on the source and test conditions, with an average transfer speed of around 110 MB/s.

However, it's important to note that performance may vary depending on the specific use case and conditions. Overall, the LaCie Rugged Mini offers a range of storage capacity options to suit different needs and provides reliable performance for data storage.

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Compatibility

The LaCie Rugged Mini external hard drive is highly compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, offering easy setup and the ability to store any type of file, making it a versatile and convenient storage solution.

The LaCie Rugged Mini external hard drive is highly compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. While it requires reformatting for Mac compatibility, the process is straightforward and detailed in the Application Guide. Users have found it easy to set up on both Windows and Mac devices using the provided quick install guide.

The drive offers compatibility with USB 3. 0 and Thunderbolt ports, making it easy to connect to any computer, even those with USB 2. 0 ports. It does not require any specific software or drivers to be installed for basic compatibility. Users can simply plug it into their computer and start transferring files without any additional installation.

However, there is optional software available called Toolkit, which enhances the experience with the LaCie Rugged Mini. It allows users to format and optimize the drive for their operating system and offers additional tools and utilities. While not necessary for basic functionality, installing the Toolkit software can provide added features and convenience.

In terms of file compatibility, the LaCie Rugged Mini has no specific limitations on the types of files that can be stored. It can typically store any type of file, including documents, photos, videos, and music. The maximum file size that can be stored depends on the file system used, with FAT32 having a limit of 4GB and exFAT or NTFS having no practical limit.

The LaCie Rugged Mini can also be used with gaming consoles or devices. Its compatibility with both Windows and Mac operating systems, as well as its USB 3. 0 connectivity, allows users to easily connect the drive to their gaming console or device and use it for storing game files, save data, and other media.

This makes it a convenient and portable solution for expanding storage capacity for gaming purposes.

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Speed

The LaCie Rugged Mini external hard drive offers varying read and write speeds depending on the interface used, with Thunderbolt providing faster speeds than USB 3.0, and additional features such as encryption and reformatting options that may slightly impact speed.

The LaCie Rugged Mini external hard drive offers varying read and write speeds depending on the interface used. When connected via Thunderbolt, the average data rate for writing is around 330 Mbps, and for reading, it is more than 330 Mbps. With USB 3.

0, the drive achieved a write speed of 155 Mbps and a read speed of 227 Mbps. These speeds may vary depending on factors such as file size and type.

The drive also has additional features that can affect its speed. It offers AES 256-bit encryption, which adds an extra layer of security to your files but may slightly impact read and write speeds. The drive also comes with a toolkit utility for easy reformatting, which can optimize performance or compatibility with different operating systems.

While the specific impact on speed may vary depending on the configuration and usage, the LaCie Rugged Mini provides fast transfer times for large files and is compatible with Time Machine on Mac OS X. It is recommended to check the specifications and compatibility of the drive with the intended device and operating system for optimal performance.

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Durability

The LaCie Rugged Mini external hard drive is a highly durable and rugged storage solution that can withstand drops, pressure, and environmental conditions, making it ideal for outdoor or rugged environments.

The LaCie Rugged Mini external hard drive is highly regarded for its durability. It is constructed with a brushed aluminum enclosure and a protective orange rubber sleeve that provides shock resistance and adds durability to the device. The drive is designed to be shock-resistant and can withstand drops of up to four feet (1.

2 meters). It is also drop tested to 1. 2 meters and can withstand pressure up to one ton. Additionally, the LaCie Rugged Mini is both dust and water resistant, making it suitable for all-terrain use. It provides rain resistance, although it is not waterproof.

Overall, the LaCie Rugged Mini is a rugged and durable external hard drive option that can handle accidental drops, bumps, and various environmental conditions. However, there are some concerns about the warranty and support provided. The standard warranty only covers faults in workmanship or material, and the customer support may not be as robust as expected for a rugged drive.

In summary, the LaCie Rugged Mini is a reliable and durable external hard drive that is suitable for users who need a rugged storage solution for their data. It is particularly well-suited for those who work in outdoor or rugged environments, where the drive may be exposed to drops, pressure, and various weather conditions.

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Connectivity

The LaCie Rugged Mini offers fast data transfer speeds and compatibility with a wide range of devices through its USB 3.0 and USB-C connectivity options, making it a reliable choice for users needing efficient connectivity.

The LaCie Rugged Mini is equipped with a single USB 3. 0 port, which offers fast data transfer speeds. It is compatible with USB 3. 0 and is also backward compatible with USB 2. 0, allowing it to be used with a wide range of devices. The USB 3. 0 connectivity achieved good data transfer rates, with speeds of 155 Mbps for writing and 227 Mbps for reading, according to a review on SaveDelete.

The Rugged Mini also supports USB-C connectivity, as it comes with both a USB-C cable and a USB 3. 0 cable. However, it does not support Thunderbolt connectivity. Overall, the LaCie Rugged Mini provides reliable and efficient connectivity options for users who require fast data transfer speeds and compatibility with various devices.

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Design

The LaCie Rugged Mini external hard drive is a compact and durable storage solution with a stylish design, making it ideal for on-the-go use.

The LaCie Rugged Mini external hard drive has a compact and portable design, making it suitable for on-the-go use. It features a bright orange rubber sleeve that adds a distinctive look to its workmanlike aesthetic. Underneath the sleeve, the hard drive has a brushed-metal aluminum surface, giving it a touch of class.

However, its box frame design with sharp corners may not be as sleek as some other portable hard drives on the market.

What sets the LaCie Rugged Mini apart from other external hard drives is its durability. It is drop-tested to 4 feet and can sustain up to 2,205 pounds of pressure, making it highly durable and able to withstand harsh conditions. It is also shock-resistant, dust-resistant, and rain-resistant, allowing it to be used in various outdoor settings.

The compact size and lightweight design of the Rugged Mini make it easy to carry around, making it ideal for users who prioritize portability.

The LaCie Rugged Mini offers a single USB 3. 0 port for connectivity to a computer or gaming console. This allows for fast data transfer speeds, up to 4 times faster than USB 2. 0. The use of a single USB 3. 0 port contributes to the compact and portable design of the Rugged Mini, making it a great option for users who need to transfer large files quickly and prioritize portability.

Overall, the LaCie Rugged Mini is a durable and portable external hard drive with a stylish design. It is suitable for users who need a reliable and rugged storage solution for on-the-go use, such as photographers, videographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

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