USB2 Cable
[256 byte] By [suwatch] at [2007-11-9 13:04:45] 
has anyone bought and used the usb2 cable for the new ipod? i just bought a new laptop and i need to know if the usb2 cable works well or not because then i won't have to go through the trouble of buying a costly firewire card for my laptop. thanks.
# 1 Re: USB2 Cable
sorry i didn't read the guidelines before posting so i need to add some info.15gig ipod for windows/firmware v.2.0.1/dell inspiron 600m/1.3gHz centrino/win xp pro/
suwatch at 2007-11-15 16:06:27 >
# 2 Re: USB2 Cable
I have the USB 2.0 Cable.I would not recommend it for a laptop. It has two seperate wires ALL THE WAY from the connector itself. Therefore, it's huge when bundled up, and very long cables. Not exactly portable. However, it's fine for my desktop with the dock. If I had a laptop, I would DEFINITELY get a firewire PCMCIA card.
If you shop around, you can get one for the same price as the USB2.0 cable.
For example, here:
http://store.yahoo.com/cooler-express/fiiepccaad.html
Search www.froogle.com for "IEEE 1394 PCMCIA" for similar deals.
azdude at 2007-11-15 16:07:27 >
# 3 Re: USB2 Cable
Problem with some firewire PC cards for notebooks is that they don't power the iPod while transferring music. This can prevent you from being able to copy over your whole library because the battery will go dead before it's done. The USB2 cable allows you to power it while transferring it. There might be some firewire PC cards out there that can power your iPod and that might be the best solution if you can find one.wickerbill at 2007-11-15 16:08:26 >
# 4 Re: USB2 Cable
azdude_15GB,You can always cut the firewire line from the connector if needed. I have the cable and it works well for both my desktop and laptop applications.
I would not cut the firewire cable from the connector especially since the firewire cable can still be used to charge the IPOD even though the IPOD may be connected to the laptop via USB.
Cutting the cable is a crude option, but an option none-the-less.
duckee at 2007-11-15 16:09:21 >
# 5 Re: USB2 Cable
An entirely true statement, if you'd like two cables for two purposes, as you stated.For desktop users like myself, just plug the USB into the USB port, and firewire into the AC adapter. Works like a charm.
For the OP, sounds like you have your own decision to make, as there really isn't a clear-cut answer... It comes to about the same price either way. What are you willing to carry/cut?
azdude at 2007-11-15 16:10:31 >
# 6 Re: USB2 Cable
thanks for the input. i don't think i need to worry about carring the cable around because i'll probably be doing all my transfers in my dorm room, the only time i'll have to take the cable anywhere is when i come home or something. so i guess the usb2 would be equally as convenient as the pcmcia because i would most likely disconnect either of them when i'm ready to take my laptop somewhere. all i really wanted to know is if the usb cable worked ok, like no problems or anything. thanks tho!suwatch at 2007-11-15 16:11:31 >
# 7 Re: USB2 Cable
suwatch,The cable functions as advertised, but your IPOD may require a firmware update to recognize the USB/firewire cable.
My IPOD recognized the USB/firewire cable with no firmware upgrade.
Good luck.
duckee at 2007-11-15 16:12:25 >
# 8 Re: USB2 Cable
I bought a firewire PCMCIA card, and then ended up buying the USB cable. It works much better for me. I had problems with the firewire interface not recognizing the Ipod. I have had absolutely no problems with the USB interface.ssper at 2007-11-15 16:13:28 >
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