Firewire 400 or Firewire 800
Right now we are in discussion on which FireWire interface we should use for the next ICY DOCK MAC enclosure.
Should ICY DOCK choose FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a) or FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b)?
IC Y DOCK would like to know what does Mac user think about what would be the best interface for Mac and what is the Mac user working habit and preference on enclosure interface?
11 Comments:
Why choose? Why not have both, as well as USB 2.0 with a Serial-ATA connection for the hard drive.
OK, this one is tough for me.
Eventually, I know I am going to have a machine with FW 800, though I don't now. Thing is, I think Apple has 3 computers with FireWire 800. Actually, the only ones that don't is the Mac Mini and the Macbook. So all but 2 of the new models use FW800.
I'm reviewing a hard drive enclosure right now that has eSATA and FW800 (2) on it. My Mac Mini only has one 400 port, so I have to use a 9 pin to 6 pin cable. Not a problem, unless you want to daisy-chain something else to it, say my video camera. Try getting a 9 pin to 4 pin cable!
Now, will eSATA get bigger than 800? It's twice as fast, but none of the macs use it, and you have to get a card for the Mac Pro.
So, the tough part. Is the drive being faster justify the expense? What is the external drive usually used for? Backup? Data storage? Does it HAVE to be twice as fast as 400? Or just convenient? Is 800 stable enough? How will Leopard and Time Machine change the external drive requirements?
Personally, I think RAID options will be more important than speed right now.
We found FW800<->FW400 Cable
Please check the link below:
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http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00016W6MS/yahoo-ce-20/ref=nosim
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Any suggestion?
Thats all fine and dandy.... but where can I find a MB561???
I've looked everywhere, and nobody seems to carry it. Is there a way to purchase direct from you?
-d0c-
You may find MB561s-4s selling at newegg.com
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817994037)
Firewire 800 is definatley faster and is more capable of moving larger files such as movies and renderings. I do think it would be a waste to not have a USB on it, who can't use another one of those this day n age.
FW is not yet as widely available and I am not sure if it will ever be, since it seems like apple itself is not even pushing it. I think FW 400 is fine but if that drives the price too high, then drop it. From what I see it, eSATA will eventually overtake the FW and even possible USB. I think USB and eSATA (and possibly the Nic) are more of the future.
FireWire800 is *not* just for Macs. I have on in my PC exactly for speed reasons as I normaly do full backups. A eSATA+FW800+USB2.0 combo therefore would be the best. But obviously the most expensive solution too. But I would allways pay for speed if I can get it.
Hey, forget Newegg, they want $400, I found it for $260!
Guy
https://www.centralcomputer.com/itemdetail.asp?item=DRIZZZICYB4R
I'm inclined to agree with Paul. The more connections you can offer your customers, the happier they'll be.
firewire 800 please. I have a powerbook and new 24" c2d iMac so it's my best option...
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