LaCie 2big and Little Disk Families Win Recognition from Germany-Based International Forum Design GmbH

PORTLAND, OR (February 2008) – LaCie announced today that it has received a 2008 iF product design award for its 2big family, designed by Neil Poulton and its Little Disk family, designed by Sam Hecht from the Germany-based International Forum Design GmbH (iF).

The winning products were selected by an international jury. The criteria for winning an iF product design award consists of design quality, workmanship, choice of materials, degree of innovation, environmental friendliness, functionality, ergonomics, visualization of use, safety, brand value, branding and aspects of universal design. This year, 821 products were awarded the coveted iF product design award out of 2,771 entries, representing 35 different countries.

“Year after year, LaCie continues to be recognized by international audiences not only for its dedication to design, but also for its ability to develop functional products,” said Olivier Mirloup, LaCie Hard Disk Business Unit Manager.

The LaCie 2big family is comprised of the Dual, Triple and Network versions. These three distinct models have storage capacities ranging from 1 to 2 terabytes and are differentiated by their advanced features and unique interfaces. The LaCie 2big family all feature an attractive new natural cooling, heat sink metal design with a thermoregulated progressive smart fan to ensure long-lasting reliability and quite operation.

The LaCie Little Disk family consists of mobile hard disks and a portable DVD±RW drive with LightScribe. The hard disks come in 1.8-inch USB 2.0 with 60 gigabytes and 2.5-inch USB 2.0 or USB 2.0 & FireWire versions with capacities ranging from 80 to 320 gigabytes. Based on the concept of clean lines, the family features an elegant glossy finish and a thin, lightweight and compact form. With no feet, switches, or breaks in the finish, they come with an integrated USB cable protected by a removable cap. Most recently announced is a new 1.3-inch USB 2.0 version available in capacities of 30 or 40 gigabytes.

For 54 years, the iF design award has served as an internationally recognized trademark for outstanding design. Across the globe, the iF brand, with offices in Hanover, Munich and Taipei, is an established symbol for exceptional design achievement.

iF will present all of the prize-winning products at the iF design exhibition 2008, which opens on March 4 and runs until August 2008. During this period, 300,000 international visitors are expected.

About Neil Poulton
Neil Poulton was born in Thurso, Scotland. A graduate in Industrial Design from Edinburgh University and Milan’s Domus Academy, Poulton first came into public view in 1989 as the creator of "the ageing pens,” pens made from a “living,” wearing plastic that changes color and form with use. Today, Neil Poulton designs and develops best-selling, award-winning products for a variety of international clients including LaCie & Artemide. Since 1991, Poulton has lived and worked in Paris, France. www.neilpoulton.com

About Sam Hecht
Sam Hecht is an award winning UK-based industrial designer. He studied industrial design at the Royal College of Art in London. In 2002, he established Industrial Facility with his partner Kim Colin. Mr. Hecht has designed for Epson, Droog, Established & Sons, and Panasonic amongst others. He is also the retained designer to Muji Japan. For more information on Sam Hecht and Industrial Facility, please visit http://www.industrialfacility.co.uk.

About LaCie
Located in the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong, LaCie is the leading manufacturer of computer peripherals for PC, Apple and Linux users. LaCie creates external storage solutions and color monitors that help professionals and everyday users easily manage their digital lives. LaCie has differentiated its products through original designs and leading-edge technology. Established in France in 1989, LaCie is listed on Euronext under FR0000054314 (LAC). For more information, visit www.lacie.com.

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Contact LaCie
Press Inquiries: Barry Katcher, 503-844-4578, bkatcher@lacie.com
Sales Inquiries: Direct Sales, 503-844-4502, sales@lacie.com
Reseller Sales, 503-844-4500, sales@lacie.com


*1GB (gigabyte) = 1,000,000,000 bytes. 1TB (terabyte) = 1000GB. Total accessible capacity varies depending upon operating environment (typically 5-15% less).

Contact Information

Barry Katcher

Public Relations Manager

LaCie

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