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    FireWire External Drives

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by Aaronmcc, Jun 18, 2008.

  1. Aaronmcc

    Aaronmcc Notebook Consultant

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    I recently read some pages saying that FireWire is faster than a 2. USB port. Then, I looked for external drives with a FireWire cable but mostly only see USB. If FireWire is better, why is USB more common. Is there something I don't realize? :cool:
     
    Aaronmcc, Jun 18, 2008
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  2. ChevyNovaLN

    ChevyNovaLN Notebook Consultant

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    It very much depends on the Firewire version. Firewire 800 is pretty darn quick. Typical firewire drives are 400, meaning 400 mbit/sec (or whatever the rating is). USB 2.0 is 480 mbit/sec so its faster/more common, but firewire 800 is quicker still.

    Many computers do not have firewire 800.
     
    ChevyNovaLN, Jun 18, 2008
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  3. Aaronmcc

    Aaronmcc Notebook Consultant

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    I see.
    Thanks.
     
    Aaronmcc, Jun 18, 2008
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  4. stealthsniper96

    stealthsniper96 What Was I Thinkin'?

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    Firewire 400 is actually faster than USB when transferring large amounts of data. USB 2.0 can MAX at 480 mb/s, but during large transfers it slows down, while firewire 400 stays more constant. Firewire is less common because (a) it's more expensive and (b) less computers support it. If your computer supports Firewire I suggest you get one.
     
    stealthsniper96, Jun 18, 2008
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  5. PhoenixFx

    PhoenixFx Notebook Virtuoso

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    If you are going to take the disk everywhere and plan t connect it to many computers, then safer to stick with USB, cos you may not always find a firewire port in all the computers (however they are becoming popular)
     
    PhoenixFx, Jun 18, 2008
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  6. asianrage

    asianrage Notebook Consultant

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    USB 2.0 is certainly ubiquitous with modern day PCs.

    In a related topic, my laptop has an eSATA port that provide noticeable jump in transfer speed than FireWire. I use it with my 320GB 2.5" external drive and that thing kicks all kinds of ass.
     
    asianrage, Jun 20, 2008
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  7. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I hate how many 13.3" and 15.4" laptops have eSATA but very few 14.1" have...
     
    sgogeta4, Jun 20, 2008
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