CNET editors' review

LaCie's new d2 Quadra drive is a compact, 500GB drive designed for people who need high data transfer speeds over an eSATA connection or FireWire 800. Slower connection options--in the form of USB 2.0 and FireWire 400--are also available, so you can use it with a variety of PCs. The drive comes with backup software for both Windows and Mac users, as well. It's speedy to boot, and it's a good deal: $300 for the 500GB drive.

• Drive type: External hard disk drive
• Available capacities: 500GB (7,200rpm)
• Capacity of test unit: 500GB
• Cache: 16MB
• Dimension: 6.3x6.8x1.7 (HLD in inches); 3.31 pounds
• Notable design features: Blue LED on front can be programmed as a one-touch launch button; drive can be oriented vertically or horizontally or rack-mounted
• Connection options: eSATA; FireWire 800 (2 ports); FireWire 400, USB 2.0
• OSs supported: Windows 2000/XP or later; Mac OS 10.2.8 (OS 10.3 for eSATA) or later
• Software included: LaCie 1-Click Backup software; SilverKeeper software; EMC Retrospect Express 6.1 (Mac); EMC Retrospect Express HD 2.0 (Windows)
• Additional features: Three-way power switch lets you set it to on, off, or auto
• Service/support: One-year warranty; toll-free phone support: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT on Saturday; e-mail support via an online form; Web site has a searchable knowledge base, FAQs, downloadable drivers, and software.

In the CNET Labs' read/write tests, the d2 Quadra proved itself to be a speedy drive. Over a FireWire 800 connection, it wrote our 10GB folder of mixed file types in 6 minutes, 7 seconds and read back the same folder in 6 minutes, 41 seconds.

A front-mounted blue LED button indicates power and activity, and it can be programmed as a one-touch button to launch any application. There's also a three-way power switch that lets you manually turn the drive on and off or set it to auto so that it powers up and down with the connected PC (must be connected via USB or FireWire for this option).

Basic Specs

Product Specifications:
Product Description: LaCie d2 Quadra Hard Drive - Hard drive - 500 GB - IEEE 1394b (FireWire 800) / IEEE1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB / eSATA
Device Type: Hard drive
Type: Hard drive - External hard drive
Dimensions (WxDxH): 6.8 in x 6.3 in x 1.7 in
Weight: 3.3 lbs
Capacity: 500 GB
Interface Type: IEEE 1394b (FireWire 800) / IEEE1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB / eSATA
Average Seek Time: 10 ms
Spindle Speed: 7200 rpm
Buffer Size: 16 MB
Storage Controller: None
OS Required: Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP , Apple MacOS X 10.2.8 or later
Power Source: Included AC adapter
Manufacturer Warranty: 3 years warranty