Win98SE with FireWire?
I just learned that I'm going to be recieving a 15GB iPod from Volkswagen, since I just bought a New Beetle (actually, I'm picking the car up today). I'm excited about both the new car and the new iPod.
I have a PC with Win98SE. I have no FireWire ports, and one free USB 1.1 port (the only original equipment in the PC is the mobo, USB ports, and one of the hard drives). The VW iPod comes with both FireWire and USB dock connector cables (along with a whole lot of other stuff). I am absolutely not buying a new computer in the near future, this one is fine for what I use it for and I intend to run it until it dies.
As far as I can tell, I have 2 options: 1) Install a FireWire PCI card, or 2) Synch the iPod using USB 1.1, and buy an AC adapter to plug the FireWire end of the USB cable into.
I really want to avoid option #2, simply because USB 1.1 is slow as molasses. I have an MP3 library of only about 4 GB, but it would take a couple days to synch that much data at 1.1 mbps. Seeing as I intend to rip the remainder of my CDs, USB 1.1 will just be too slow. I also don't feel like spending money on the AC adapter.
So, onto option #1. Here's my problem...I currently have zero free PCI slots, one has my Ethernet card and the other has my TV tuner card. I can pull the TV tuner if necessary, but the NIC has got to stay. I did find a FireWire/Ethernet combo card, but it's $100. :rolleyes: Um, no.
So, assuming I pull the TV tuner and install a FireWire PCI card, am I correct in thinking that the included FireWire/dock connector cable is all I need to synch and charge the iPod? I don't need to buy anything else? I just want to be sure before I buy the FireWire card.
# 1 Re: Win98SE with FireWire?
Firstly 'USB 1.1' is not refering to the transfer speed it is referring to the version of the USB standard, ie: I think the theoretical maximum is around 12 Mbits/sec (as opposed to 1.1). But your right in that it is slow compared to Firewire and USB 2.0 (version 2.0) which have a theoretical maximum of 400 and 480 Mbits/sec respectively (I think, I could be off).
However these transfer speeds are usually maximum theoretical speeds and isn't necessarily an indication of the actual transfer speeds (anyone with a 56K dialup modem here get anywhere near that? cause I don't).
Personally I would take the Firewire card option as I think charging while being docked at the same time is invaluable and is annoying to have any other way. If you have a firewire card i'd say it would be a lot less troublesome to setup and get going as well.
And yes if you get a firewire card thats all you need as a firewaire cable is included with the new iPod's, but USB cables are not and cost extra from apple stores.
I would recommend that if you can afford to buy a new car along with an iPod then you should think about upgrading your computer as these days it does not cost much at all to build up a half decent system.
Anyways, hope I helped...
mulgar at 2007-11-15 17:06:12 >
# 2 Re: Win98SE with FireWire?
If I were you, I'd just spend the $100 on the ethernet/firewire combo, let's face it you're getting an iPod for free so it's hardly a major investment. But, if you can stand to lose your TV card, do that. Having the firewire connection will make your iPod much more pleasant to use, especially if you're going to be adding music to it on a regular basis. Took just over half an hour to upload my entire 9 gig collection on my ageing Win98SE machine - it would probably have taken all night using USB.
edit - word of caution though: firstly, be sure to grab the latest firewire drivers from Microsoft, and have your Win98SE CD on hand when you first connect the iPod. Also, I'd go with EphPod rather than MMJB for all sorts of reasons, not least the fact that your upload times will be significantly faster.
# 3 Re: Win98SE with FireWire?
I agree, go w/firewire. You'll need a couple of resources to make it work w/98SE though:
1. Get the firewire update patch (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;242975) from microsoft for 98SE.
2. You won't be able to install the iPod software, so follow the instructions in this thread (http://ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2970) to get at least the updater installed which you will need to run to get the iPod formatted for windows use.
3. As far as software, yes, I agree, don't bother with MMJB. There are options other than ephpod, you can check them all out in the Software Compendium (http://ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2286). They all have free trials available.
Adam
