When it was initially launched around a year ago, LaCie's Hub really took the world by surprise, as it provided a wide range of connectivity options in an extremely attractive and innovative external package. Now one year later the company has decided to upgrade its design and with the help of the French industrial designer Ora-Ito (who worked on the first model as well), released a new and improved version, as well as a cheaper, stripped-down model, which only provides USB connectivity.

Featuring a glossy white polycarbonate finish and flexible cables, the re-designed Hub now features a completely round base to allow it to wobble back and forth. The LaCie USB Hub works with Mac OS, Windows and Linux, allowing users to connect up to seven devices simultaneously. It comes fully equipped with eight flexible, twistable cables to instantly connect external storage devices, printers, media readers, keyboards, mice and more. Eight glowing LEDs indicate when a device is plugged in, with a different color for each port. Additional LaCie Hubs can be daisy-chained for extra connectivity options.

"When we announced the original USB and FireWire Hub last November, we knew the design would be very popular," said Alexis Kobassian, LaCie Accessories Product Manager. Since its original inception, the Hub has won a number design awards including the French "Janus of the industry 2007" and the "2008 Design Observer Award." LaCie is very proud of this product's accomplishments and has spent time with Ora-Ïto to refine the design to make it better."

The hubs from LaCie will be available for an estimated $79 for USB-only or $89 for USB and FireWire. The USB-only Hub comes with eight flexible USB 2.0 cables, a USB extension cable and a power supply kit, while the USB and FireWire version comes with five USB 2.0 cables, three FireWire 400 cables, USB and FireWire 400 extension cables, a power supply kit and a USB fan and light that can be plugged in to the ports.

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