"...LaCie has become the first to offer a combination DVD-RAM/R drive that incorporates both USB and FireWire connectivity. The new drive incorporates all of the functionality of DVD-RAM and DVD-R drives, including optimum compatibility for media playback on today's DVD-ROM drives, DVD players and DVD recorders. Priced about the same as LaCie's earlier external DVD-RAM drive, the combo drive is available with LaCie's unique U&I (USB and IEEE 1394) interface for compatibility with almost any Mac/Windows-based computer.

LaCie's new DVD-RAM/R drive provides users with a single solution for home video, personal computer, business storage/archiving, prepress and graphic storage as well as development/testing of master DVDs. Using 4.7GB DVD-R General media, the LaCie combination drive provides a transfer rate of up to 11.08Mbps. With random-access 4.7GB DVD-RAM media, the drive delivers a data transfer rate of 22.16Mbps. Seek times for DVD-RAM are 75ms and 65ms for DVD-R, DVD-ROM or CD media.

The LaCie U&I DVD-RAM/R subsystems will be available mid-year through leading distributors and resellers across the country. Starting at $599, the external drives ship complete with cables, software drivers for Macintosh operating systems, one 4.7GB DVD-R General disc and one 4.7GB DVD-RAM disc. LaCie also offers 4.7GB DVD-R General media at $15 as well as DVD-RAM media at $29 for the single-sided 4.7GB disc, and $49 for the double-sided 9.4GB disc..." NULL