Labs

£66 is a low price for a 500GB drive, and, as you might expect, LaCie has achieved it by keeping things simple. Externally, in fact, so simple as to qualify as a minimalist design statement: the shiny black box has no external features except a USB port and a power switch at the back. Credited to industrial designer Neil Poulton, it's a lot cooler than you'd expect of a budget product.

Simplicity also makes the LaCie admirably compact and relatively lightweight. Its shape means you can stand it on its side if you want, but you're clearly not supposed to; it has rubber feet and air holes on the underside.

Belying its understated design, the LaCie proved to be a real performer, ranking as the fastest USB drive on test. During our tests, it also revealed one surprise: in use, it projects a blue activity light onto the desk directly in front of it. A gimmick, really, but it adds a welcome bit of glamour to your desk.

The lack of frills and alternative interfaces means the LaCie Hard Disk won't be for everyone, and the glossy finish seems rather prone to gathering dust, fingerprints and scratches. But it's a fast, stylish drive at a great price.