Which Firewire Card for Laptops?
Hello,
I recently purchased a new laptop and I need to get a firewire card. I have searched the forum for a recommendation but have not been able to find much. I keep running into the adaptec 4300 solution but that is for desktops.
Can anyone give me a recommendation or point me to the appropriate thread?
I apologize for what is surely a repost.
thanks
[392 byte] By [
ebony1] at [2007-11-9 12:56:08]
# 1 Re: Which Firewire Card for Laptops?
I've not really dealt w/many firewire cards for laptops, at least in terms of recommendations.
I can tell you what you shold look for though. Make sure the card you get has an external power adaptor so you can power the iPod when connected to your PC. Otherwise the card will not supply power. Or a card that has 2 ports on it. One port you can connect to your AC adaptor which will in turn power the iPod.
Most cards generally work, stay away from Belkin cards and SIIG cards. I've seen a lot of problems w/them recently. Just make sure you can return the card if it doesn't work out.
Adam
# 2 Re: Which Firewire Card for Laptops?
Thanks for the quick reply. Although it seems nice to be able to buy just about any card as you suggested, it seems people have had a wide success with different cards.
For example, I have read the belkin card offered by apple has mixed results. Although I don't really understand why apple would offer a card that is not 100%, I can't ignore what people are saying.
Are there any specific examples of cards that have worked out well for laptops?
ebony1 at 2007-11-15 17:07:13 >
# 3 Re: Which Firewire Card for Laptops?
I bought 4 cards ranging from $20-70 and the only have that worked is the belkin. The others wouldn't recognize the ipod or wouldn't properly eject. I then purchased the belkin as apple recommends and it worked perfectly on my IBM T series. Adaptec also makes great card.
ipodsb at 2007-11-15 17:08:12 >
# 4 Re: Which Firewire Card for Laptops?
thanks for the update. i guess i will go with the belkin on the apple website. seems a little pricey but at this point i just want my ipod to work. thanks
ebony1 at 2007-11-15 17:09:06 >
# 5 Re: Which Firewire Card for Laptops?
ipodsb
Does that card charge the ipod while connected? I heard that most do not...
# 6 Re: Which Firewire Card for Laptops?
ebony1 - i was ready to retun the ipod out of frustration initially getting it to work. However, the card was causing all the problems. I found the belkin at bestbuy as the local apple store was sold out.
kopykat - the card does not charge the ipod. you would have to purchase a seperate power adapter for the card.
ipodsb at 2007-11-15 17:11:15 >
# 7 Re: Which Firewire Card for Laptops?
ipodsb - Can you give me the name and model of the card?
Does anyone know of way to adapt a 4 pin non powere firewire to a 6 pin powered firewire so I can charge the iPod while xfering. Thanks!
# 8 Re: Which Firewire Card for Laptops?
-thanks ipodsb
- is there anyone out there that can recommend a card that works well with the ipod and also CHARGES the ipod at the same time?
ebony1 at 2007-11-15 17:13:12 >
# 9 Re: Which Firewire Card for Laptops?
kopykat,
The model numbers on the card: P81527-A or F5U512-APL. Both numbers are on the card.
ipodsb at 2007-11-15 17:14:20 >
# 10 Re: Which Firewire Card for Laptops?
i use this maxtor card. works great but doesn't power the ipod.
http://www.buy.com/retail/computers/product.asp?sku=10303014
# 11 Re: Which Firewire Card for Laptops?
Siig makes a good card as well...and it has the advantage of also having USB2.0 on it.
# 12 Re: Which Firewire Card for Laptops?
I am currently using a Belkin F5U512-APL (http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201526&pcount=&Product_Id=148854) card that ipodsb mentioned. It is a 6-pin firewire card with 3 ports. I'm using an adapter and it is working just great. The best (and only) luck you will have for a powered notebook adapter is through an adapter. If you plan to use your laptop as a primary source for your iPod, then the configuration for the adapter is 12V DC, 1.6 Amps, 3.8mm plug size, with a center positive plug polarity...if you have no idea wut i'm talking about and u are serious about this than just buy a universal adapter at best buy or some electronic store.
# 13 Re: Which Firewire Card for Laptops?
Do you have USB 2.0? I'd recommend the Apple USB interface. It works great, and then you don't need to take up a card slot. (I had problems with Firewire)
ssper at 2007-11-15 17:18:25 >
# 14 Re: Which Firewire Card for Laptops?
Originally posted by Riceboi
I am currently using a Belkin F5U512-APL (http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201526&pcount=&Product_Id=148854) card that ipodsb mentioned. It is a 6-pin firewire card with 3 ports. I'm using an adapter and it is working just great. The best (and only) luck you will have for a powered notebook adapter is through an adapter. If you plan to use your laptop as a primary source for your iPod, then the configuration for the adapter is 12V DC, 1.6 Amps, 3.8mm plug size, with a center positive plug polarity...if you have no idea wut i'm talking about and u are serious about this than just buy a universal adapter at best buy or some electronic store.
I did notice that the card has an input that looks like it would support a power supply, but I couldn't find any documentation about this on the web or on the outside of the package. Can you plug in a power adapter to this card and then have it function as a powered 6 pin firewire port?
# 15 Re: Which Firewire Card for Laptops?
Hi~ Yup the firewire card is originally a 6-pin so with the adapter under the specification i listed in the previous posting, if will be powered and you won't have to rip your hair out trying to finish "synching" before the battery runs out (that is of course if you forgot to charge) :) I got the specifation of the adapter in the User's Manual that came with my firewire card.
-12V DC
-1.6 Amps
-3.8mm plug size
-center positive plug polarity
Like i said, i suggest you purchase a unversal adapter that has several different voltage and plug sizes with a high max amp. (sold on sites like http://www.bestbuy.com)
