LaCie Rugged SSD4 review: Fantastic, weatherwized performer — and eye-catching!

Here is a 200-word summary of the news article: The LaCie Rugged SSD4 is a high-performance, weatherized external SSD that offers fast 40Gbps USB4 connectivity. Key features include a rugged, IP54-rated design with an eye-catching orange silicone jacket, a non-captive Type-C port cover, and a 3-year warranty with free data recovery. In testing, the Rugged SSD4 proved to be the fastest 40Gbps USB4 drive reviewed, outperforming even LaCie's own more expensive Rugged SSD Pro5 (an 80Gbps Thunderbolt 5 model) in some real-world file transfer tests. Synthetic benchmarks showed excellent sequential and 4K performance, with write speeds maintaining high levels even under heavy load. While not the absolute fastest external SSD on the market, the Rugged SSD4 offers a compelling balance of speed, durability, and affordability. Priced at $135 for 1TB, $250 for 2TB, and $480 for 4TB, it is a good choice for users seeking a fast, weather-resistant portable storage solution, especially those who appreciate its distinctive orange styling. The only minor downside is the non-captive Type-C port cover, which could potentially be lost.