On Thursday LaCie introduced a new USB stick that's shaped like a house key. It's called the PetiteKey, and comes with a keychain hole so that it can be carried around with other real keys without drawing attention to possible thieves looking to steal personal info or media. Even more, users can password protect the USB stick's contents just in case it's stolen or lost.
"Don't underestimate the PetiteKey's strength because of its small size," the company said. "The USB key's metal shell is waterproof up to 100 meters. Users never need to worry about their data being damaged or erased by water damage, which is one of the biggest causes of accidental data loss. The thumb drive protects data even if it's dropped in a mud puddle or put through the washing machine."
Designed by 5.5 Designers, the PetiteKey's cap-free connector is scratch-proof, so it won't get scuffed by other keys in a pocket, purse or backpack. It also comes packed with LaCie's Private-Public software which protects important and confidential files using state-of-the-art encryption technology. Users don't need to install the software – simply plug the PetiteKey into a USB 2.0 or higher port, launch the auto-loading software, and enter a password to gain access to its contents.
"A businessman who works from home and at the office needs a safe and secure way to transport data back and forth," LaCie said. "The AES 256-bit encryption and password protection keeps his data secure if he misplaces the flash drive."
The LaCie PetiteKey is currently available in 8 GB, 16 GB and 32 GB capacities through the LaCie Online Store and through LaCie Resellers starting at $14.99. It comes with a one-year subscription to LaCie's Wuala Secure Cloud Storage service which allows users to back up the PetiteKey's contents (at a 1:1 GB ratio) to the cloud so that the files are available on the go when the stick isn't present.
