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durangotang · Jan 17, 2008, 11:17 PM

I have a Macbook Pro right now. I also have an Apogee Duet Firewire Audio Interface that draws all of it's power from the firewire cable and transfers all of it's data this way! I don't want to get rid of it.

So, if I am able to get the Air, I'll need to get a firewire 400 to USB 2.0 converter of some kind. I can't seem to find anything except some foreign product selling for $0.01 on eBay which I have no faith in.

Does anyone have any experience here? Does anyone know of a product, or better yet, has anyone tried such a product? Something like a hub that I could plug in would seem ideal, so I could be assured that proper power is delivered. I can't seem to find anything on the Google!

Thanks!

ChrisF · Jan 18, 2008, 07:01 AM

You're out of luck, unfortunately.

ghporter · Jan 18, 2008, 07:20 AM

The MBA is a machine that requires compromises. If you want the newest and coolest, you'll have to compromise somewhere-like your audio gadget. Note that the MBA is not a "powerhouse" computer, in spite of the fact that it's great and more than adequate for most functions, so depending on it as your "only" computer could be quite limiting.

MacosNerd · Jan 18, 2008, 07:43 AM

Your SOL, as ghporter stated that lack of certain ports were necessary to keep the MBA's size and weight as small as possible.

ibook_steve · Jan 18, 2008, 12:34 PM

Firewire cannot be "converted" into USB. They're two completely different standards. It sounds like the MBA is not for you.

Steve

durangotang · Jan 18, 2008, 01:50 PM

Thanks. That's what I thought. The power would be sufficient for my purposes at 1.8Ghz with 2GB RAM. I have been dreaming of a more slim Apple laptop since we hit 1" with the TiBook 7 years ago. But getting rid of firewire? Seriously Apple, what are you thinking? This has been a staple on every mac since CRT iMacs. This is depressing.

peeb · Jan 18, 2008, 02:16 PM

It's not the end of the world - the kind of person who wants the air probably doesn't have a lot of fw devices anyway.

Chuckit · Jan 18, 2008, 02:23 PM

Apparently this one does. But yeah, the machine is very specific in what it does and does not do, and that's just the kind of beast it is.

Eug · Jan 18, 2008, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by peeb

It's not the end of the world - the kind of person who wants the air probably doesn't have a lot of fw devices anyway.

Ironically, the Air is probably suited to those who people who already have a Firewire device... which is another Mac. You can't target mode to that Mac with the Air.

durangotang · Jan 18, 2008, 02:32 PM

Well, there are USB 2.0 audio interfaces out there, but none as integrated into OS X as the Duet. The Air is a sexy beast, that's for sure. Who knows, I may just have to get a mini for as a little network box and for the firewire, and an Air. Ideally it would be one machine only (the Air) or if I have to go with two machines then obviously the Mac Pro / Air combo would be ideal but the budget is just not there. And I don't necessarily know if I want two machines.

Eug · Jan 18, 2008, 02:44 PM

Just stick with your MacBook Pro.

Or if you want something smaller, just get a MacBook.

durangotang · Jan 19, 2008, 11:18 AM

Not smaller. More thin.

But in the meantime I have a 2.4Ghz Macbook Pro with 4GB RAM, so I am a happy guy. No complaints. But the minute I see one, I know I am going to want it. We have been stuck at 1" thick since the original Titanium powerbook was launched 7 years ago. And as each year has gone by I have been waiting, and I have grown more convinced that there will be a significant redesign. 7 years is a long time to want a redesign, something fresh (more than titanium to aluminum).

I will just be patient, like I said I am content.