Isn't the main problem with dropping a hard drive damage to the read/write heads inside? How does adding a rubber rim around the outside help this? I guess they could add in the sudden motion sensor that portables have, now that might actually have an effect. Otherwise, I guess it keeps the enclosure from being scratched....
I think it is the color that looks really bad...but it is nice to see some new products from LaCie...even though I really don't take my external anywhere.