Best USB 2.0/Firewire Combo PC card Adapter

I only have 1 USB 1.0 port on my notebook. My notebook belong to the generation before the introduction of USB 2.0 [ ][ ][ ]

So to make use of the multiple devices with USB, I must add a USB port. Then again after browsing the internet, I see the option of having an extra firewire port with the USB... So an all in one card sounds good. [ ][ ][ ]

http://www.usb-2-0.com/2045100.html

http://www.firewiremax.com/fire-wire-1394-ilink/usbficopcca2.html -2 usb 2 firewire

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=316188&is=REG 2usb 2 firewire

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=614578&Tab=0&NoMapp=0

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=714163&Tab=11&NoMapp=0 diablotek

What do you recommend as a good choice???

I read in one review that Adaptec usb/firewire combo has a problem with power supply. That is when u use multiple device at the port at the same time, problem arise. Any comment on this and with the other brands as well...

 

I found one with rechargeable batteries built in it... So I was thinking, then the PCMCIA slot does not have power to supply the device connected to it. (You must have an external adapter or battery for it to work)

Is that true for all???

 

Are you using an external drive or multi media device that is USB 2.0 compliant??? If not, I would stick with your USB 1.1 port. USB 2.0 devices will work, you just won't see the increased bandwith. However, if you are using an external drive or something similar, I would recommend taking a look at adapters by Socket and Belkin.

 

Did some further research and narrowed down my choice to 3.
I have an old Pentium II 400 Mhz laptop son need to see the minimum requirement of PC Card. The rest requires 500 Mhz so I excluded them.

I read in some reviews that firewire ports in USB are non functional and needs AC adapter to power the device.

Any experience on the three:[?][?][?]

1. LACIE USB/Firewire Combo PCMCIA adapter?[ ][ ][ ][ ]
http://www.lacie.com/products/product.htm?id=10130

System requirement:Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP
400MHz-compatible processor or greater;

It has lower requirement unlike others which require 500 and greater to edit videos.

2. ADDONICS USB/Firewire Combo PCMCIA adapter [ ][ ][ ]
• http://www.usbmax.com/PCMCIA-2F2U_FireWire-1394_&_Hi-Speed_USB_2.0_Combo_CardBus_PCMCIA_Card.cfm

It has the highest warranty--5 years. So I wonder if it is that reliable.
Fully Plug-N-Play and Hot-Swap compatible
Requirement is 64MB of RAM and 300MHz or faster processor
Includes Ulead VideoStudio 6.0 video editing software
Has PS/2 power cable so you dont have to connect to an AC adapter like the rest.

Downside --- when editing video should be at least at P3 700 machine. system might work but will take a lot of time to finish.

3. IOGEAR USB/Firewire Combo PCMCIA CArd[ ][ ]
http://google-zdnet.com.com/IOGear_USB_2_0_FireWire_CardBus_GUF202___USB___FireWire_adapter/4014-3251_15-30117349.html?tag=pl&q=usb+firewire+combo+pcmcia+card

• Requirement: Computer 300 Mhz or greater
• Hot Pluggable - connect devices without restarting the computer
• PC power management v2.2 compliant
• Hot Swappable - Plug-N-Play

Downside---(mandatory power adapter)

 

I look at Belkin and Socket and it will not support my dinosaur Pentium II 300 Mhz
So when it comes to real portability (Does not need bulky AC adapter) the two contender remains... Lacie and Addonics.[8][8]

But how about its real world performance. [?]Sure their site tells ALL GOOD about their product and none of the incompatibilities and problems.[xx(]

If you use a Lacie and Addonics PC (PCMCIA) card adapter please do tell of your experience...[ ][ ][ ]

 

The LACIE USB/Firewire Combo PCMCIA adapter still requires external power source if the external devices connected to it draw power.