Final Score: 87 out of 100
We have personally been using LaCie products before they were even known as ‘LaCie’ and instead were called “La Cie” and known for their Tsunami line (that used premium Quantum Fireball drives!)… and “D2” and (hilariously) known for their La Coq line. In the ensuing decades much has changed but much has remained the same. Yes, the owner of the underlying blueprints has changed hands a couple times. Yes, the interface (“FireWire for the win” back in the day) and internals have also changed (we still think SCSI is superior to SATA). However, one thing has remained the same. LaCie are never the cheapest options going, but their moderate increase in asking price is almost always worth the price of admission. Which is to say when you buy LaCie you get a premium product without too much of a premium asking price.
With the LaCie Mobile Drive Secure series that has not changed one whit. You get a portable device that is as pretty as it is flexible. You get a device that (thanks in no small part to its LaCie aluminum enclosure) runs cool and yet can shrug of life’s bumps and bruises like few plastic clad enclosure can. You get all that and you get integrated, hardware level, full drive encryption that’s impact on overall performance is all but unnoticeable.
The reason it can do all that is LaCie has once again blended practicality with a dash of style they are best known for. In the previous generation this took the form of a Seagate Mobile HDD housed inside an aluminum chassis. This combination offered rather decent real-world abilities that made it easy for professionals to justify its asking price over plastic clad alternatives. For the latest generation LaCie has stuck with the same gorgeous (and robust) enclosure but opted to upgraded the internals. A decision that one again pays dividends.
To be blunt, for not much added cost over ‘the other guys’ buyers of a LaCie Mobile Drive Secure gain access to rather peppy device (by 5400RPM 2.5-inch HDD + SED standards) that is flexible enough to be used in both a professional and home environment… and do both without compromising security nor style. That is indeed a lot to like. Especially when one considers the fact that the 2TB’s asking price has not changed since 2021.
So while we not be in a massive rush to go out and replace an “old” but working LaCie Mobile with this new “Secure” variant, if you are in the market for a new external USB, 2.5-inch HDD based, storage device this one demands to be on your short list. It may not be the smallest. It may not be the cheapest. It may not even be the fastest, but it is arguably the most flexible option going. As such if you can live with the extra upfront cost the LaCie Mobile Drive Secure 2TB’s MSRP you will love what it has to offer… and offer for many many years to come.
The Review
LaCie Mobile Drive 2TB Secure Edition
LaCie has long been known for delivering premium storage solutions that balance style, durability, and performance, and the new Mobile Drive Secure series continues this tradition. With its robust aluminum enclosure, full-drive hardware encryption, and upgraded internals, this portable device offers exceptional flexibility for both professional and home use without compromising on security or aesthetics. While it isn’t the cheapest or fastest option available, its reliable performance and unchanged price since 2021 make it a standout choice for those seeking long-term value.
