This article covers ラシー LaCie ポータブルSSD Portable SSD 500GB USB-C Mac.

Overview

The LaCie Portable SSD STKS500400 is a compact and lightweight external SSD with 500GB capacity, designed for users who need fast, reliable storage on the go. Weighing just 45g and measuring only 10.6mm thick, it's one of the most portable drives available. It features USB 3.2 Gen2 interface, delivering sequential read speeds of up to 1050MB/s – plenty for transferring large photo and video files quickly. The drive is bus-powered, so no external power adapter is needed, and it comes pre-formatted in exFAT for seamless use with both Mac and Windows. You can also plug it into an iPad Pro's USB-C port to expand storage and edit files directly.
This SSD targets creative professionals and mobile workers who need reliable storage with added data protection. LaCie includes a one-month free Adobe Creative Cloud membership and backs the drive with a 3-year warranty plus a one-time free data recovery service. This service can retrieve data even from physically damaged drives, offering peace of mind that many competitors don't provide. Positioned as a mid-range portable SSD, it stands out for its combination of speed, portability, and data recovery assurance.

Compatibility Guide

The LaCie Portable SSD works with any computer or tablet equipped with a USB Type-C port. It supports Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.12 or later. The USB 3.2 Gen2 interface is backward compatible with USB 3.2 Gen1 and USB 3.0, but only at slower speeds. Note that the included cable is USB-C to USB-C; if your computer only has USB-A ports, you'll need a separate USB-A to USB-C adapter. The drive works directly with iPad Pro, iPad Air (USB-C models), and Android tablets with USB-C, enabling external file editing and storage expansion.

Product Info

The LaCie Portable SSD (model STKS500400) launched around 2021 and remains widely available. Pricing is around ¥24,000 (approx. $160 USD) at major retailers. It sits in the mid-range tier of portable SSDs, distinguished by LaCie's data recovery service. The drive uses USB 3.2 Gen2 interface with measured sequential read speeds of 1050MB/s. Physical dimensions are 80 x 50 x 10.6 mm, weight 45g, color Silver. It is bus-powered (5V) and comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable and quick-start guide. Warranty is 3 years.

Best Use Cases

  • Creative Professionals Switching Between Mac and Windows
    exFAT formatting means no reformatting required. The included one-month Adobe Creative Cloud membership is a nice bonus for photographers and video editors. However, professionals handling large RAW libraries may find 500GB insufficient for long-term use.
  • iPad Storage Expansion
    Connect directly to iPad Pro's USB-C port to save and edit photos, videos, and documents. Ideal for users who want to extend their iPad's internal storage without buying a more expensive model. Keep in mind that iPad file management is somewhat limited compared to desktop OS.
  • Value-Conscious Users Who Want Data Security
    The free one-time data recovery service provides a safety net for accidental deletion or physical damage. This is a unique selling point that justifies the slightly higher price compared to Samsung T7 or SanDisk Extreme. However, recovery is not guaranteed for all scenarios.

Things to Consider

First, this is a global package product, meaning warranty and support may be limited to the region of purchase. The online retailers listing states that support and warranty are not provided for use outside Japan (if bought from Japanese online retailers). Second, the data recovery service is not a 100% guarantee; success depends on the extent of physical damage. Third, while read speeds are impressive, write speeds are not officially published – they may be slower. Finally, bus-powered operation may cause issues on some USB ports with insufficient power delivery; test with your specific devices before relying on it.

FAQ

Q: Can I use this SSD with PS5 or Xbox Series X?
A: Yes, as external storage. For PS5, you can store and play PS4 games directly, and store PS5 games (but not play them directly). For Xbox Series X, you can save and play Xbox One and backward-compatible titles. Next-gen games require internal storage or certified expansion cards.
Q: How do I claim the data recovery service?
A: Contact LaCie's data recovery support within the warranty period (3 years). The service is free once. Physical damage or accidental deletion can be covered, but recovery is subject to the condition of the drive.
Q: Can I use this with a USB-A port?
A: The included cable is USB-C only. To connect to a USB-A port, you'll need a USB-A to USB-C adapter or a separate cable. Compatibility with USB 3.0/2.0 is fine but speeds will drop to those standards.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: ラシー(LaCie)
  • ASIN: B092R9RQJR
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.