In many ways we actually prefer the LaCie Mobile Drive 5TB to the LaCie Mobile SSD series. Yes, this device is noticeably slower. Yes, it is noticeably bigger and heavier. Neither of this really matters. Firstly, by using a fast, for its class, hard disk drive the LaCie Mobile Drive 5TB offers very good performance across its entire 5TB capacity range. So while it may not saturate your internal storage it is still peppy to say the least. Next, with 5TB of capacity on tap you can easily backup (using the included free software if you so choose) your system’s important data without worrying about running of space. That too is something not everyone will be able to do with the LaCie Mobile SSD series.
Lastly, it is actually prettier than the LaCie Mobile SSD series. The fact of the matter is with only 9mm of height it is kind of hard to make the ‘diamond pattern’ of the chassis really stand out. With 20mm of height, the end result is striking. Never garish, but striking. It really is the LaCie Mobile SSD ‘writ large’ in the aesthetics department.
This, of course, brings us to the last question, and the main one we had going into this review. Precisely… is it a good deal? The answer is a resounding yes. For only a few dollars more than the typical 5TB you get a better (and faster) USB to SATA controller, a better (and hassle-free) warranty with free data recovery for the entire warranty period, and you even get a free month to Adobe Creative Cloud… which is a pretty significant chunk of change, to say the least. On top of all this, you get a device that you will be proud to own and show off. Mix in a sturdy, if not IP certified, chassis that will shrug off life’s bumps and bruises and the end result is a model that may be an Apple Exclusive but is easily a better value than the ‘other’ color variant. Congratulations LaCie for offering both good looks and good value… and doing both whiles also including Apple into the mix. That is one laudable accomplishment to say the least!
The Review
LaCie Mobile Drive 5TB
The LaCie Mobile Drive 5TB has changed our opinion of Apple-exclusive products. Usually, this means more costly than their counterparts… and yet the Mobile Drive 5TB is actually cheaper and a better value. Mix in great looks, good performance, and robust design and there is little to dislike and a lot to like about this big boy.
