LaCie Updates Award Winning Hub Designed by Ora-Ito and Adds USB-Only Version

Lacie USB & FireWire Hub

LaCie unveiled an update to its award-winning Hub, which was developed exclusively for LaCie by French industrial designer Ora-Ito. Featuring a glossy white polycarbonate finish and flexible cables, the re-designed Hub now features a completely round base to allow it to wobble back and forth, creating an aesthetically pleasing addition to any work environment. Also announced is the new LaCie USB-only Hub that includes seven USB 2.0 ports for easily connecting a variety of external peripherals.

When we announced the original USB and FireWire Hub last November, we knew the design would be very popular," said Alexis Kobassian, LaCie Accessories Product Manager. Since its original inception, the Hub has won a number design awards including the French "Janus of the industry 2007" and the "2008 Design Observer Award." LaCie is very proud of this product's accomplishments and has spent time with Ora-Ito to refine the design to make it better."

The LaCie USB Hub works with Mac® OS, Windows® and Linux, allowing users to connect up to seven devices simultaneously. It comes fully equipped with eight flexible, twistable cables to instantly connect external storage devices, printers, media readers, keyboards, mice and more. Eight glowing LEDs indicate when a device is plugged in, with a different color for each port. Additional LaCie Hubs can be daisy-chained for extra connectivity options.

LaCie first worked with Ora-Ito back in 2005 to develop the exclusive LaCie Brick Hard Drive, a colorful set of stackable external drives that look like giant building blocks. Most recently, LaCie announced the Ora-Ïto designed Golden Disk, a product that has already received numerous accolades from around the world.

The newly redesigned LaCie Hub is available worldwide via LaCie's specialized dealer network at the suggested retail price of $79 for USB-only or $89 for USB and FireWire. The USB-only Hub comes with eight flexible USB 2.0 cables, a USB extension cable and a power supply kit, while the USB and FireWire version comes with five USB 2.0 cables, three FireWire 400 cables, USB and FireWire 400 extension cables, a power supply kit and a USB fan and light that can be plugged in to the ports.

Though his name implies a Japanese background, designer Ora-Ïto is French. A do-it-all designer, he was barely 20 years old when he created the very first virtual brand in 1998. Propelled to the front of the international scene, he then started prestigious collaborations with L'Oreal, Vogue Magazine, Heineken, Adidas, Kenzo, electronic musicians AIR, Honda, Guerlain, Swatch and Nike.

LaCie

Located in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong, LaCie is the leading manufacturer of computer peripherals for Windows, Apple and Linux users. LaCie creates external storage solutions and color monitors that help professionals and everyday people easily manage their digital lives. LaCie has differentiated its products through original designs and leading-edge technology.

Source: LaCie