| Product: |
Lacie Big Disk Extreme+ 1 TB |
| Date: |
17.07.08 (127 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Huge Data Capacity, Fast, Reliable, Stylish
Disadvantages: Expensive ££££
What Is It?
The LaCie Big Disk Extreme + 1 TB is a Hard Disk suitable for Macs and Windows. It is for backing up any type of data from your computer like Photos, Movies, Music, Documents anything.
Why Buy It
I decided to buy this after reading another review from a magazine called iCreate which specialises in products suitable for Apple Macs. I bought before a hard disk by another brand but found it was only avalible for Windows so had to send it back. This is suitable for Windows XP/Vista/2000 And Mac OSX 10.8 or later which is very handy.
What Does 1 TB Extreme Mean?
I TB means 1 terabyte. This basically is ALOT of memory. 1 TB is 1024 GB which is the equivelent of-
270,000 songs (roughly)
472 Hours of film (Non stop!)
3.2 Million pictures (again roughly)
1,000 copies of Encyclopedia Britannica
I'm just trying to demonstrate that a TB is a lot of memory to have on a Hard Disk!
Ordering/Price
After some debating over different Hard Disks, I decided to stay with the LaCie range. So I went onto their website and decided to have a browse. The website was very modern and easy to use. So I found the Hard Disk I wanted and was able to easily add it to the basket. I paid £189.99 for this which is quite a lot of money but I had to see it as an investment. So I paid over credit card and there where no problems. The Hard Disk arrived 5 days later which impressed me. Easy enough so far.
Packaging
When the Hard Disk arrived it was in a bright box with a big picture of the Hard Disk infront. So I got it out the packaging and found it cosily packaged in two slabs of polystyrene. Instructions where all there and everything is in order! Next step...
Setting It Up
After getting rid off all the polystyrene I was able to start setting up. First was to connect the power supply to the hard disk. You then had two options of choosing for it to connect to your computer by either USB or Firewire. This is up to you although it does recommend for quicker data transfer to use FireWire. So I chose FireWire just because I had no free USB ports (Used up by Printers etc!)
Now that everything is plugged in you are able to turn on your LaCie using the big blue button at the front. It flashes a bright blue color then calms down. You can also hear a very dull fan like noise from the LaCie which is not actually very audible at all. The last step of setting it up is to load the software. It comes with a CD which you just put into your disc reader and let load up. You follow the instructions and it downloads all the software you need. Now you are able to start transfering data from your computer onto the LaCie. Very easy setup.
Design
This is a very modern design for the hard disk. On the front is a big blue button which indicates if the hard disk is on or off. The hard disk is quite heavy at a hefty 2 kg but I suppose it does need to be heavy to store all that data! It comes with a stand so it can stand upright and doesn't have to look silly on the side. It is also narrow so it can fit in a lot of awkward places which is handy. When it is running it is very quiet compared to other reviews I have read on Ciao were reviewers talk about how loud they are. You can only hear a slight dull buzzing but it is very faint. When in use it does get warm however it has never been very warm or hot which is a bonus. Overall I full marks for the whole design of the LaCie.
Living With It
After setting it up I downloaded my entire iTunes library, Photos, Home Movies and homework and other documents onto it. Incredibly it only took around 25 minutes which is really good as that is huge amount of information. The transfer works at around 50MB/s which is pretty fast.
Now I bought the Hard Disk in September last year and it has served me incredibly well so far. It is actually sitting right next to the computer as I type this. Every time I download photos from my phone or camera I automatically back them up, just out of habit. I have so far had no problems with the LaCie. I still have around 600GB left even though I have backed up so much film and music, which is very surprising!
Extras
The LaCie comes with a 2 year warranty incase anything does happen.
It can be used by multiple computers as long as you download the data first onto another computer.
Because of its huge capacity it can take so much film etc so it is a fantastic back up system for everyone.
It can be used and disconnected from power and computer and put in a safe place.
What's Right With It?
Well as I have tried to point out the main thing right with this is the data capacity. It has so much memory which is fantastic for backing up anything and everything. I love the design, it sits at the side of the computer, tucked away until it is needed. Then all you have to do is click it on and you can back up anything. It is very simple to use and can be set up and used by anyone, even someone with no computer skill. This is brilliant to back up your thousands of precious photos which could be accidently deleted or damaged on the computer.
The hard disk is more a safety net for the computer but also it can be used if you want a clear out of the computer. If you have to much data on your computer you can back it up safely and delete of the main computer. The hard disk will not be affected and if you want to access the data you just have to click on the hard disk and get it back.
What's Wrong With It?
It is a lot of money however, there are a lot more products that don't have as much memory which costs a lot less. The only way to spend that much money and be sure about it is to see it as an investment. You never know what could happen?
Conclusion
Overall everything is right with this. The design, the data capacity, the quietness and the reliability is fantastic. I would recommend this to everyone who is thinking of buying a hard disk as it is truly a brilliant bit of machinery. 5 stars from me.
Janie x
©scotlandizdabest 2008
Summary: Excellent machine for any computer user!
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