[JASnyder]

I just recieved a lacie 120gb USB external drive that I got on CompUSA.com for $228.

When I ordered I didn't realize that there was a USB and a fireWire version.

I'm planning to use this to add extra space to my G4 iMac for DV editing.

What is the speed differential between the USB and FireWire version. Should I return it for the FW version, It'll cost me at least $75 bucks to pay the restocking, all of the shipping, and the extra $$ for the FireWire version.

Thanks, Jeff

[sith33]

USB isn't fast enough for DV. A DV stream is 3.3 megaBYTES per second, USB's theoretical max is 11 megaBITS per second. That's only 1.375 megabytes per second, so not nearly quick enough to capture video to. So, unless you just want the drive for archival, return it an get a firewire drive. (if you're curious, firewire theoretical max is 400megabits per second)

[Simon X]

Originally posted by sith33:
USB isn't fast enough for DV. A DV stream is 3.3 megaBYTES per second, USB's theoretical max is 11 megaBITS per second. That's only 1.375 megabytes per second, so not nearly quick enough to capture video to. So, unless you just want the drive for archival, return it an get a firewire drive. (if you're curious, firewire theoretical max is 400megabits per second)

True, but it's probably USB2, which while fast enough (supposedly) is useless on a Mac without a USB2 port. And anyway, FW is much better for things like DV.

So yes, bite the bullet and send it back.

[subego]

Originally posted by sith33:
So, unless you just want the drive for archival

With 120GB, I'd say it was even too slow for this.

At full throughput (which you ain't gonna get) it would take over 24 hours to fill it up.

So I guess that's another vote for firewire

[JASnyder]

Thanks!