SONY VAIO Z13 i-Link speed?

Hi guys,
I was trying to find out what is the real speed of the iLink on the VAIO Z12 or Z13. Since it's a trademark name for a FireWire protocol I would expect it to be 400Mbits/sec (or 800Mbits/sec although unlikely so).
On the other hand it's there in place of a USB 2.0, so I wonder if the actual iLink speed is limited to a USB2.0 speed, i.e. 400Mbits/s and the only real difference is in the plug design?
Would an iLink give a speed increase if an external FireWire hd drive was connected through the iLink port compared to a USB port?
Anybody knows the answer? Thanks.

 

400mbit

would be faster a bit but not too much. If you have a FireWire HDD already, it's a good deal, if you plan a speed improvement, better go with eSATA/USB3.0 over a expresscard.

 

Thanks a lot Pyr0.

 

Hi everybody,
I just ordered a new Z13 CTO and asked for a 2 usb & 1 iLink option.
I will be using the iLink with my current but old SONY DV HandyCam. You can manipulate video on the Handycam from your pc using for example Adobe Premier. However,...
...I had a look to all new camcorders and it seems that iLink/FireWire is becoming obsolete. Everybody is using USB nowadays. So my questions to you people (and photo/video geeks):
1) Can you access a camcorder through USB from your pc, and I mean things like rewind/ffw etc? Or do you just have to copy the video and edit it on your pc?
2) Is there an iLink to USB adapter which could convert my iLink to a USB port? I found this on the internet: Amazon.com: JDI TECH Goldx 5 in 1 USB 2.0 10ft. Cable ( GXQU-10 ): Electronics: Reviews, Prices & more. Would it work? Anybody ever used one with success?
My deadline for changing my order is 12 hours from now, so any fast replies would be greatly appreciated.

 

Anyone guys?