Question about using a laptop to sync the iPOD..

[Sypher]

I'm sorry if this question has already been asked.. I searched through old posts (even copyed n pasted useful information into word :)) but I'm still confused about the USB/Firewire thing.

I only have USB 1.1/1.0 (Not sure which) not USB 2, which is the faster one right? I'm using a Dell Latitude Laptop (its rubbish) with Windows XP. I looked at the plug things at the back and compared them to a pic of Firewire ports someone posted, and I dont think I've even got a 4 pin.

So what do I do? Could I update the laptop to USB 2? Or shall I just get the Firewire card thing. As you can probably tell I dont know much about computers.

I'm getting an iPOD in a while.. I'm not allowed it for Christmas, have to wait to my birthday in March :(. But I'm already really excited and want to know how to work it properly lol.

[2die4]

get a firewire card like this:

http://www.dabs.com/uk/productView.htm?quicklinx=2QFH

You will be better using firewire as the iPod comes supplied with a firewire cable and not a USB2 one. Also the firewire cable will charge your iPod while it is connected to the computer.

[Sypher]

Thank you, thats solved my problem :D

My Mum won't be happy that she has to pay an extra 30 quid though, lol.

[Sypher]

Is the Firewire card is easy to put in on a laptop? Where does it go?

[nick190]

The card slides in to the PCMCIA slot, probably on the side of the laptop...make sure it isn't already taken up by something. I feel it's also important to note here that the 6 pin firewire for your laptop will NOT charge the ipod like a 6 pin for the pc. The workaround for this is to purchase and additional firewire cable, available at most computer/electronics stores for around $10. Get one with 6 pins on both sides. Run your ipod to one of the 6 pins on the PCMCIA card, and use the additional cable to run from the card to the ipod's a/c adaptor. This will power the firewire card, and your ipod at the same time. Of course, if this is not a priority for you, you could just charge the pod, sync it, then charge again. Also, if you can't afford the firewire, and don't mind the slower transfers of usb 1.1....get apple's $19 cable that is split into usb and firewire. The usb portion goes to your computer, while the firewire goes to the a/c adaptor...this is a no-brainer as, if you're going to go the usb route, the reg. usb cable is the same price.

[THEMEMANIA]

Lattitude should have USB2....is it a newer model..My Father's is a C600 and it has USB2.

[Sypher]

I dont think its got USB 2.. I went into the control panel and checked. If the Firewire doesnt charge the iPOD on a laptop then I may aswell use USB if thats what i've got.. right? Can I update the laptop to USB 2 somehow? ...Or maybe I can just have slower transfers.. how much slower is regular USB compared to USB 2?

I'm getting all confused again.. lol

[nick190]

It may not be listed as USB2, but rather "enhanced usb". If you don't mind the slower transfers (you should really only have to do an entire transfer once in a blue moon, then go with what you have. Just like PCMCIA firewire cards, there are also PCMCIA usb2.0 cards. They are available in many electronics stores or sites. Personally, I prefer tigerdirect.com. The special cable I talked about earlier is available on apple.com.
-Nick

[hyonj]

I actually looked into this as well, but you should be warned that some PCMCIA firewire cards will NOT charge the iPod (it doesn't say that it will and warns you that it may not), it will only allow you to sync it with your PC. Because of this, I bought the cable that's mentioned in a previous post which has a firewire plug for the AC adapter, and a USB plug for the PC that are joined to the plug for the iPod. This is actually rather convenient since I can leave the sync cable at home and carry the firewire cable and AC adapter that came with the iPod with me so that I can charge my iPod wherever, i.e. airports and at the U. I only use the USB/firewire that was purchased when I need to sync the iPod pretty much. This option is much cheaper as well. I also did this because I only have one PCMCIA port and it's used for my wireless card so, I didn't want to swap it out constantly, or have it protruding out when it's in. Hope you enjoy your iPod as much as I do! :) Happy holidays!