Hi, I run a beige G3 tower, and would like to add a PCI USB card to accommodate a VideoCam. I may in the future need addition USB ports, and maybe a firewire.

To my questions, since I’ve only got two slots left, is it reasonable to purchase a PCI with USB and firewire, all on one card? Are they considered a quality item? and worth the purchase price? Or could I be asking for problems with such a product as this. I believe I’ve seen them sold by Orange Micro.

Are there others, or maybe better ones to consider?
Thanks

[Misha]

<A HREF="http://www.powerlogix.com/">PowerLogix</A> has a similar card. They're just as good as invidivudal USB/FireWire cards; both those individual cards are relatively small and can easily be combined into one.

Otis,

I've been using a Belkin USB card (http://www.belkin.com/products/product_index/USB/usb_catalog_pages/F5U005MACusBusPort.htm) in my Beige G3 for about six months now and it's worked flawlessly. It took about five minutes to install and worked from the start.

I've plugged a number of peripherals into the card (scanner, digital camera, keyboards, mice, USB Zip, etc.) and with the exception of a zip problem, it's worked great. I'd highly recommend this card.

Unfortunately, I don't have any experience with a USB/FireWire hybrid card. No need for one yet. If you end up getting one, let me know how it works. I may invest in one in the near future.

Hope this helps!

David

I have a PCI USB card from Keyspan (http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/card/).

I bought it and a two port USB to serial adapter after my modem port died on my PMac 7300/180 (running OS 8.1).

Two USB ports (one is free at the moment). I've got my modem and my Palm V hotsync cradle hooked up to it with no problems at all.

Easy to install. Made sure I downloaded the necessary updates from Keyspan's website too.

Now, if I could figure out why my OpenTransport/Modem connection keeps dying on me, I'd be really happy.

[giantmike]

I have a XLR8 DualPort USB PCI card. It has worked without a hitch since I got it.

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I am using an Entrega 4-port USB PCI card in my beige G3 desktop with Apple's latest drivers. It works very well for me. I like the 4-port card, since it keeps me from needing a hub. Also, it costs about the same as the 2-port cards.

I don't think any vendors have actually released the combo cards yet. If anyone has any experience with them, I would also like to hear.

Orange micro also has a combo card, sells for about the same price as the powerlogix card.

I have a 4 port entegra w/8.6 and the latest usb drives in my 8500 and have had absolutly no problem.

-mike

I am running the Macally card with the apple drivers, and it too works great in my 8500/120 running OS 9.

Just get the cheapest of the respectable brands. Also, think about how long you plan on holding onto you Beige. Will your need for a new box outstrip you need for firewire?

[Simon Kornblith]

Theoretically, any USB card will work with your computer. Apple's drivers should support them. Some generic ones for PCs are around $20, MUCH cheaper than the brand-name cards. However, I do not know the quality of these cards, so you may be better off with a brand name card.

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Simon Kornblith
Computer Consultant
Programmer

Ah, the pci slot dilemma. If you are even remotely considering FireWire, I'd highly recommend a combo card. Add a second monitor and a scsi card and you'll have no room to add firewire later.</p>

I purchased the Orange Micro USB/Firewire card for my 8500 and thus far I'm very pleased with it. The USB ports have worked perfectly for me, but I haven't had a chance to test the Firewire ports yet.</p>

Hey all, thanks for the help, and yes I’m serious about a combo, because I’m running dual monitors now.
Misha thanks for the rapidfire hit, I was looking for options to OMicro, not that there’s anything wrong with them, just a comparative study thing.

4port firewire 2 usb, that’s different. Might prefer 4usb and 2 firewire, but I’ll take what I can get.

I inadvertently bought a 233 G3 A way back when and have no option for the second HD (internally) and trying to avoid complicating my ScSi chain I thought of putting an external HD on a firewire, and any future purchases of periph’s, I would have options if need be.