Fast or tough? You can’t always have both, especially when you’re talking about electronics where “ruggedized” versions often come with compromises. But Seagate’s LaCie brand is aiming to offer both with its upcoming Rugged SSD Pro5 models, announced at CES 2025.
According to the press release and the initial retail listing, these 2TB and 4TB portable drives in LaCie’s familiar rugged, impact-resistant exteriors offers read speeds up to 6,700MB/s and write speeds up to 5,300MB/s. That’s assuming you’re using it with a compatible Thunderbolt 5 device, of course. And while it isn’t the fastest drive in the world, it’s probably the fastest you can get in a drive that’s designed to bounce off a hinterland Jeep without complaint.
LaCie says the design is “resistant to drops from up to three meters and is IP68-rated dust and waterproof.” And LaCie ain’t just whistlin’ Dixie, as my grandfather might have put it: these drives come with a five-year limited warranty and include Rescue Data Recovery Services (not available in all countries) in case of catastrophic data loss. LaCie says the drives are ideal for “filmmakers, photographers, and audio specialists” who operate in the toughest environments.
The Rugged SSD Pro5 is scheduled to go on sale later in January, for $400 at the 2TB capacity and $600 at the 4TB capacity.
Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer, PCWorld
Michael is a 10-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE. On PCWorld he's the resident keyboard nut, always using a new one for a review and building a new mechanical board or expanding his desktop "battlestation" in his off hours. Michael's previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he's covered events like CES and Mobile World Congress live. Michael lives in Pennsylvania where he's always looking forward to his next kayaking trip.