As a blogger, content creator, and avid PC user, I know the importance of having reliable and fast external storage that can handle heavy workloads. That’s where the LaCie 1Big Dock comes in.
Key Features
- Ideal for Mac Users: Primarily designed to be an ideal choice for Mac users.
- Thunderbolt Connectivity: Equipped with Thunderbolt connectivity, which is the fastest connection available for data transfer.
- Cheap Price per Terabyte: Cost-effective option for users needing large storage space.
This device promises lightning-fast speeds and ample storage for all my files and media needs. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
Honestly, I didn’t really have a pressing need for the LaCie 1Big Dock HDD when I bought it. But when I saw that the price per terabyte was comparable to that of internal hard drives, I figured, “Why not?”
Plus, the idea of having an external hard drive with an SD card slot was pretty appealing, as it meant I could ditch my separate SD card reader and consolidate all my storage needs into one sleek, all-in-one device.
I purchased the 16-terabyte version of this product at an incredible discount for only $550 in Europe, which is significantly lower than the regular price of around 750 Euros or approximately $800.
- 1big Dock is an external hard drive and laptop docking station for filmmakers looking to centralize their desktop peripherals...
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- Enjoy best-in-class speed and reliability with a Seagate IronWolf Pro HDD for the most intensive film projects
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The price difference may be due to taxes imposed on blank media storage, such as hard disk drives like this one, which may result in higher prices in certain regions.
Therefore, purchasing these disks in the United States is often more affordable.
Product Specifications
| Attribute | Specifications |
| Interface | Thunderbolt 3 |
| Max Capacity | 16 TB |
| Card Slots | CF and SD |
| Display | Two 4K displays |
| Read/Write Speed | Up to 280MB/s, Up to 280MB/s |
| Daisy Chain | USB-C and USB 3.0 ports |
| Power Output | Up to 85W |
| Cooling | Advanced-cooling design |
| Drive | Self-serviceable, enterprise-class drive |
| Data Rescue | 5 years |
LaCie 1Big Dock HDD vs. Alternatives
| Feature | LaCie 1Big Dock HDD | WD My Book Duo | Seagate Backup Plus Hub | G-Technology G-RAID with Thunderbolt 3 | Samsung T5 Portable SSD |
| Capacity | 16 TB | Up to 44 TB | Up to 14 TB | Up to 36 TB | Up to 2 TB |
| Interface | Thunderbolt 3 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | USB 3.0 | Thunderbolt 3, USB-C | USB 3.1 Gen 2 |
| Drive Type | Seagate Iron Wolf Pro | WD Red | Seagate BarraCuda | HGST Enterprise-Class Drives | SSD |
| RAID Configuration | N/A | Yes | No | Yes | N/A |
| Built-in Card Readers | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Power Path Through Feature | Yes | No | No | No | No |
This table provides a comparison of the LaCie 1Big Dock HDD with popular alternatives like the Western Digital My Book Duo, Seagate Backup Plus Hub, G-Technology G-RAID with Thunderbolt 3, and Samsung T5 Portable SSD.
In this post, I’ll share my experience with the LaCie 1Big Dock HDD version, including its pros and cons.
Although I initially thought this device would be a great addition to my workstation, I decided to resell it on Facebook Marketplace.
Let’s start with the pros:
Pros for LaCie 1Big Dock 16TB HDD
#1 High-Speed Thunderbolt 3 Connection
I had the pleasure of testing out the LaCie 1Big Dock; let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! This powerful device utilizes Thunderbolt technology, delivering mind-blowing data transfer speeds that will leave you in awe.
As someone who works with data-heavy files, I was amazed at how quickly I could transfer large files with this dock.
The Thunderbolt connection truly lives up to its reputation as the fastest connection currently available in the market.
One thing that impressed me was that Thunderbolt and USB-C use the same physical connector. This makes Thunderbolt backwards compatible with USB-C, which is a fantastic feature to have.
If you’re a Mac user, the LaCie 1Big Dock with Thunderbolt is the perfect connection option for you.
#2 Seagate Iron Wolf Pro Hard Drive
LaCie 1Big Dock uses Seagate IronWolf Pro hard drive internally.
This hard drive seems to me a powerhouse, with a workload rating of 300 terabytes per year and the ability to handle a 24/7 workload, unlike other hard disk drives that are only rated to work for 8 hours a day.
During my testing, I was impressed by how quickly I could transfer large files and the fact that the Seagate IronWolf Pro hard drive could handle even the heaviest of workloads without breaking a sweat.
But what really sets this tool apart is the 5-year warranty that comes with the Seagate IronWolf Pro hard drive, which includes data recovery services. (However, I don’t know how it works).
It’s reassuring to know that Seagate has your back in case something goes wrong.
#3 Competitive Price Per Terabyte
As someone who has looked closely at the LaCie 1Big Dock and other hard drives, I can tell you that the price per terabyte of this tool is nothing short of remarkable.
Compared to an SSD external drive, the LaCie 1Big Dock is about three times cheaper per terabyte, which is a huge cost savings.
For those who need a lot of storage, the ability to get up to 16 terabytes of space is a game-changer. As someone who works with large files, I appreciate having this kind of storage capacity at my fingertips.
#4 Built-In Card Readers and USB 3.0 Port:
With the built-in card readers, I can easily transfer photos and videos from my camera’s SD and CF cards to my computer without needing any additional adapters or cables.
This has saved me a lot of time and hassle, especially when I’m working on a tight deadline.
It is a perfect fit for professional photographers and videographers who need to transfer large files quickly and efficiently.
The USB 3.0 port at the front of the LaCie 1big Dock has also been a game-changer for me.
I frequently need to transfer large files to and from external devices such as smartphones and tablets, and the USB 3.0 port has made this process incredibly fast and efficient.
#5 Patented Power Path Through Feature
This feature allows users to charge their MacBook directly from the external hard drive, which can be incredibly convenient, especially if you’re on the go and don’t have access to an outlet.
Although I don’t have a MacBook myself, I can imagine how useful this feature would be for those who do.
According to the specifications, the LaCie 1big Dock can deliver up to 70 watts while charging and while connected to the external drive, which is pretty impressive, as compared to other hard drives in the market.
This means that users can charge their MacBook and transfer files simultaneously, without having to worry about draining their mac battery.
Cons for LaCie 1Big Dock 16TB HDD
#1 Connectivity Issues
During my time with the LaCie 1big Dock, I did encounter some cons that ultimately led me to resell it on Facebook Marketplace.
One of the issues I faced was that the device only worked with certain cables. I had to try three different cables before I found one that worked.
While this may not be an issue for MacBook users, it was a problem for me, and I lost connectivity while transferring files to the disk.
As a result, I ended up not using the device as much as I would have liked. I was worried about losing my data and not being able to access it.
I even considered taking the disk out and putting it inside my computer instead, but that defeated the purpose of having an all-in-one external hard drive and dock.
I purchased the LaCie 1big Dock specifically for its all-in-one features, including the ability to plug in my SD cards at the front, which was more convenient than having separate SD card readers and external hard drives on my desktop.
#2 Slow Card Reader
I mistakenly thought it had a CFAST reader at the front, but it only had a CF card reader, which is an older interface and not as fast as CFAST. This was my own mistake, and I should have done more research before purchasing the product.
Additionally, the SD card reader on the LaCie 1big Dock was disappointingly slow. It was actually the slowest SD card reader I’ve tried, which made it impractical for my workflow.
I mainly use V90 SD cards to record 4K videos, and I think the older version of the complex flash card reader in the LaCie 1big Dock simply wasn’t up to the task.
It’s worth noting that the LaCie 1big Dock is not a new product, and some of its features may not be suitable for newer workflows.
#3 Bulky and Heavy
While the device is packed with features and connectivity options, it also comes with a larger form factor and heavier weight, which may not be suitable for users who need a more portable solution.
That being said, the bulky and heavy design of the LaCie 1big Dock is not necessarily a dealbreaker, and it could still be a great choice for users who prioritize its features and performance over its size and portability.
My Verdict
The LaCie 1Big Dock 16TB HDD has Thunderbolt connectivity, a Seagate Iron Wolf Pro hard drive, and built-in card readers.
However, it has some drawbacks such as connectivity issues, a slow SD card reader, and a bulky design.
It may be a good choice for Mac users in need of a large external hard drive, but not suitable for those who need a more portable solution or use a desktop computer.
While it’s possible that I couldn’t utilize all of its Thunderbolt features due to not having a MacBook or a Thunderbolt plug, the slow SD card reader and the lack of CFAST compatibility ultimately made me feel like it wasn’t the right choice for my needs.
