LaCie mini

Helpful Informaion

COMPANION HARD DRIVE

4.2 File System Formats

4.2.1. Mac Users

The LaCie mini comes preformatted in HFS+ (Mac OS Extended).

Mac OS 9.x Users:

You will be able to format the drive in one of two formats, using Silverlining Pro (for specific instructions, please refer to the Silverlining User’s Manual, in the Silverlining folder): HFS (Mac OS Standard) or HFS+ (Mac OS Extended).

Important Note: If you will be sharing the hard drive between Macs and Windows operating environments, you will want to reformat the drive in FAT 32.

HFS+ - Mac OS Extended

Mac OS Extended refers to the file system used by Mac OS 8.1 and later. HFS+ represents an optimization of the older HFS file system by using hard disk space more efficiently. Building off of HFS, they increased the number of blocks from 65,536 to 4.29 billion. With HFS+, you are no longer limited by block size.

Mac OS 10.x Users: You have the option of formatting the drive in one of four formats: Mac OS Standard (HFS), Mac OS Extended (HFS+), MS-DOS File System and UNIX File System (UFS).

HFS - Mac OS Standard

Mac OS Standard refers to the file system used by Mac OS 8.0 and earlier. This is no longer a modern file sytem specification, and Mac OS Extended is more efficient. Only use this file system if you are creating a volume smaller than 32MB, using a Mac with a 680X0 processor, or you are creating a file structure that will be need to be used by Macs using Mac OS 8.0 or earlier.

MS-DOS File System

This is the Microsoft file system, more typically known as FAT 32. This is the file system to use if you are going to be using your LaCie hard drive between Macs and Windows operating systems.

UNIX File System

This is the file system based on UNIX, and is preferrable for users developing UNIX-based applications within Mac OS 10.x. Unless you have a specific reason to use the UNIX File System, you should instead use Mac OS Extended (HFS+), because it provides Mac users with a more familiar operating experience.

user manual page 21

Page 21
Image 21
LaCie U S B 2. 0 user manual File System Formats

U S B 2. 0 specifications

LaCie USB 2.0 portable drives have established themselves as reliable and versatile storage solutions for a wide range of users, from casual consumers to creative professionals. One of the key aspects of LaCie's USB 2.0 drives is their compatibility, allowing seamless connection to a variety of devices, including PCs, Macs, and compatible gaming consoles. This broad compatibility ensures that users can access their data without the need for specialized software or drivers.

The main feature of LaCie's USB 2.0 drives is the ease of use that comes with plug-and-play functionality. This means that users can simply plug the drive into a USB port, and it will be automatically recognized by the operating system, allowing for immediate data access and transfer. This user-friendly design is perfect for individuals who may not be tech-savvy, providing a hassle-free experience.

LaCie drives also boast robust data transfer speeds, though USB 2.0 is not as fast as its successor, USB 3.0. Nonetheless, USB 2.0 technology still offers decent transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbps, making it adequate for most standard storage tasks, such as backing up files, transferring documents, and storing media. While it might not handle high-definition video transfers as efficiently as USB 3.0 options, it remains a practical choice for everyday use.

Another notable characteristic of LaCie USB 2.0 drives is their sturdy build quality. LaCie often designs their drives with durability in mind, using materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. This emphasis on build quality helps to protect the data stored within, making these drives suitable for both home and field use.

In terms of storage capacity, LaCie offers a range of options, accommodating users who need varying amounts of space. Whether it's a compact drive for personal use or a larger capacity model for extensive media libraries, LaCie has a solution to match different storage needs.

Additionally, many LaCie USB 2.0 drives come with built-in security features, such as password protection, ensuring that sensitive data remains secure. This added layer of security is particularly valuable for professionals working with confidential information or for individuals who want to keep their personal data private.

In summary, LaCie USB 2.0 drives are characterized by their user-friendliness, reliable performance, solid build quality, and a variety of options to meet diverse storage needs. Whether for personal or professional use, these drives offer a practical and effective solution for data storage and transfer.