LaCie RUGGED MINI Quick reference guide

Rugged
This White Paper will address how the LaCie Rugged Family of hard drives are
constructed to keep your data safe from occasional accidents. We will explain how this
special line of hard drives offers invaluable data security through its multiple layers of
protection. You will also find a detailed analysis of the military grade testing all Rugged
materials must pass before the hard drives are introduced to the market. Finally, we
offer examples of how the Rugged has evolved with changes in technology, including
hardware and software encryption and faster transfer rates.
WHITE PAPER

WHITE PAPER | Rugged
Multiple Layers of Protection
As opposed to conventional hard drives, LaCie
Ruggeds are capable of sustaining higher levels of
physical punishment. The Rugged’s durability is a
direct result of unique design complemented by strong
components for each of its layers. All models feature
a disk that withstand shocks up to 1000G, where
“G” stands for units of gravitational force. To further
enhance resistance to shocks, LaCie adds rubber
bumpers to each corner of the disk1.
The Rugged’s shock-resistant hard drive is encased
within a scratch-proof aluminum shell. This specialty
alloy material also absorbs heat from the disk,
dissipating away from its internal mechanics. The
importance of consistently dispersing heat cannot
be stressed enough since maintaining a supportable
temperature may extend the hard drive’s life. Further,
users benefit from optimal performance and improved
transfer rates since heat is not trapped within the casing.
This key level of protection offers a price-to-usage ratio
that more than justifies the initial investment.
The last layer of protection is often noted for its clever
design, but the Rugged’s rubber sleeve is far more
than a fun aesthetic cover. The sleeve gives the Rugged
external shock resistance to complement the internal
rubber bumpers and the drive. Thus, the LaCie Rugged
protects your data against physical harm from the outer
surface to its very core.
Rigorous Testing
The United States Departments and Agencies of the
Department of Defense (DoD) has compiled exhaustive
tests to push products to their limit. The list of tests,
called MIL-STD-810, was “...prepared specifically
for DoD applications, [however] this standard may
be tailored for commercial applications as well.”2
Standards for the tests are updated to accommodate
changes in technology and identified by letter. For
example, MIL-STD-810F from 1 January 2000 was
superseded by the most recent set of tests in MIL-STD-
810G beginning 31 October 2008.
Companies such as LaCie can refer to their products as
MIL-STD-810G compliant only if the strict demands of
specific tests are met. Most important to the Rugged is
the stringent drop test and, to simulate real-world falls,
LaCie uses 1.2 m as a minimum height. While 1.2 m
approximates chest height for the average person,
Protective
Aluminum Shell
Shock-resistant
Rubber Sleeve
Internal Anti-shock
Rubber Bumpers
Hard Disk
Rugged Triple / Rugged Hard Disk
(Drop Tested up to 2.2 m)
Rugged Mini (Drop Tested up to 1.2 m)
Pressure-resistant
Rain-resistant
Shock-resistant
1. Certain models only. Please see Table 1- Rugged Family
2. “Department of Defense Test Method Standard: Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests”, 31 October 2008, Forward (http://www.
everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD+%280800+-+0899%29/MIL-STD-810G_12306/)

WHITE PAPER | Rugged
many Ruggeds go beyond the minimum, surviving falls
from as high as 2.2 m.
During the tests, a Rugged is repeatedly dropped onto
a hard surface such as two-inch plywood backed by
solid concrete or an industrial carpet laid on a concrete
surface. In total, the Rugged is dropped326 times:
•8 Corners (lower and upper corner)
•12 Edges (lower and upper edges)
•6 Sides (front, back, and sides)
Since no hard drive enclosure can withstand such
intense abuse at one time, the Rugged casing has
displayed some light cosmetic effects. Far more
important, however, is that data stored on the drive
remained intact and easily accessible.
The Rugged Mini undergoes additional water and dust
immersion simulations4to qualify for its impressive IP52
rating (Ingress Protection5). Each side of the Rugged
Mini endures 2.5 minutes of rain volume at
3 mm/minute. For dust, each side is covered with
2 kg/m3of 100% dry talcum powder then left alone for
two hours. Once a test is complete, the Rugged Mini is
carefully inspected for:
•Data integrity when connected to a computer
•Dampness within the enclosure (water)
•Particle seepage within the enclosure (dust)
The Rugged Mini is also resistant to one ton of
pressure. At our headquarters in Paris, France, we
conducted an extreme test by rolling over the Rugged
Mini with an average size sedan. After the car had
placed a tire print on its scratch-resistant surface, we
plugged the Rugged Mini into a computer. The data
appeared instantly and completely intact6.
Evolution of the Rugged Family
While the original Rugged had a single USB 2.0 port,
recent models include interfaces that suit the needs of
all users. Those seeking speed have been able to take
advantage of Thunderbolt, FireWire 800, eSATA 3Gb/s,
and USB 3.0 ports. The Rugged Family continues to
grow, with models that feature solid-state drives (SSD)
for added vibration resistance, 128-bit hardware
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), and a reduction
in size for improved mobility. Since digital privacy is
becoming increasingly important, LaCie Private-Public
software offers strong 256-bit AES for all Ruggeds.
Once you have installed LaCie Private-Public on the
hard drive, you decide who has access to your files7.
Please see Table 1 – Rugged Family for the specifications
of each model.
No matter the model you choose, you can rest assured
that the raw materials have been tested and prove
worthy of the Rugged brand. LaCie is committed to
constructing hard drives that meet your needs and, for
over five years, the Rugged has given users like you the
peace of mind to store all your critical files. At home, at
work, or on a great adventure, your Rugged is sure to
withstand the accidents that life can bring.
Rugged drop test
simulation
Rugged dust
immersion
simulation
3. All drops listed here are non-operational.
4. All simulations listed here are non-operational
5. For IP code definitions, see http://www.nema.org/prod/be/enclosures/upload/NEMA_Enclosure_Types.pdf
6. Tested with a Seat Ibiza, weight without driver and passengers approximately 1128 kg.
7. Learn more about LaCie Private-Public at http://www.lacie.com/us/products/product.htm?id=10532

Rugged Mini Rugged Triple USB 3.0 Rugged Hard Disk Rugged Safe Rugged USB 3.0
Thunderbolt Series
Size (mm) 132 x 85 x 19.4 145 x 90 x 28 145 x 90 x 28 145 x 90 x 28 140 x 90 x 24
Volume (cm3) 217.7 365.5 365.5 365.5 302.4
Capacity 500GB, 1TB, & 1.5TB 500GB & 1TB 500GB & 1TB 500GB & 1TB / 240GB 1TB (HDD) / 120GB (SSD)
Rotational Speed (RPM) 5400 / 7200 5400 / 7200 5400 / 7200 5400 / SSD 5400 / SSD
Protection 1.2 m Shock Proof (MIL)
1 ton car
Rain & Dust proof (IP52)
2 m Shock Proof (MIL) 2.2 m Shock Proof (MIL) 2.2 m Shock Proof (MIL) 1.2 m Shock Proof (MIL)
Internal Rubber Bumpers No Yes Yes Yes No
Interface USB 3.0 USB 3.0 / USB 2.0 / FW800 USB 2.0 / FW800 / FW400 USB 2.0 / FW800 USB 3.0 / Thunderbolt
Encryption Optional -
LaCie Private-Public
(256-bit software AES )
Optional -
LaCie Private-Public8
(256-bit software AES9)
Optional -
LaCie Private-Public8
(256-bit software AES9)
128-bit Hardware
AES9(built-in) /
Biometric Authentication
Optional -
LaCie Private-Public8
(256-bit software AES9)
Eco Mode Yes Yes ---
Compatibility Windows®& Mac®Windows®& Mac®Windows®& Mac®Windows®& Mac®Windows®& Mac®
Further Information Web Web Web Web Web
8. Software encryption is available using LaCie Private-Public 9. AES stands for Advanced Encryption Standard. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has published the specifications for AES at http://www.nist.gov/itl/upload/fips-197.pdf. For further information on encryption standards and biometric authentication found in certain LaCie devices, please see our White Papers on Encryption [http://www.lacie.com/download/whitepaper/WP_Encryption_en.pdf] and Biometrics [http://www.lacie.com/download/whitepaper/WP_Biometrics_en.pdf].
Table 1 – Rugged Family
WHITE PAPER | Rugged

Through a combination of cutting-edge engineering and a rich history of unique design aesthetics, LaCie has
earned an excellent reputation for producing products that are the perfect synthesis of form and function. Our
hard disks and SSDs, network and RAID solutions, optical drives, displays, and accessories are created to
enhance and expand your computing environment, no matter its platform or configuration.
Featuring the exclusive styles of world-renowned designers such as Neil Poulton, Philippe Starck, Karim Rashid
and Sam Hecht, LaCie’s award-winning products look stunning and perform with unparalleled reliability
and versatility. LaCie is a global leader in manufacturing top-of-the-line tools that are often first-to-market,
constantly raising the bar and re-establishing industry standards.
Please visit our website: www.lacie.com, for up-to-date product specifications—available in multiple
languages for worldwide accessibility. Use it to purchase items online, contact our excellent technical support
or locate the sales office or reseller nearest you.
©2012, LaCie. The LaCie logo is a trademark of LaCie. Other product and brand names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners. Specifications and appearance are given as guidelines and are subject to change without notice. www.lacie.com 120615