I got firewire and usb2 on my computer--which should i use?

[7 cats]

i have been successfully using the firewire setup on my 30gb pod; my asus A7N8X supports both.

Here's the question: given that if i leave my pod on the dock all nite while my computer if off, it discharges (presumably because the firewire is fast asleep too--thanks for the fix, apple! NOT!), is it worth it to get that ipod usb2.0/firewire cable, plug the power part of it into the AC adapter, and the USB 2.0 into my computer?

And, if i do that, will my transfer speeds be any slower/faster ; faster being better , of course:) ?

i'm getting kickass firewire sync speeds using mc9 (up to 11mb/sec), but am willing to try usb 2.0 if it will give me the same/better performance AND let me leave my pod on the dock all nite w/o having to dismount it and leaving it on my bureau for my cats to knock down (bad kitties!).

i'd like everyone's thoughts before i invest in that ridiculously expensive proprietary usb 2.0/firewire cable

thanks
peter

[ashawley]

I would stick w/firewire if you're having good luck w/it. That way you a) don't have to fork out $20 for the USB/Firewire cable from Apple and b) you don't have to bother will connecting the power adaptor and all that cable mess.

As far as leaving it in the dock...er, I'd just take it out. Put it in a nice case.

Adam

[7 cats]

yeah, it's in a cool speck ipod skin, and that's fine. i totally do not mind another power adapter especially if it means no dead pod woes. and 20 bucks is cool, i guess...

the big question: does usb 2.0 transfer from mc9 as fast as firewire? i definitely don't want to upset the apple cart if it's gonna slow things down. i have actually read that 2.0 usb is <faster> than firewire.

so what's the frequency, kenneth?

thanks

[JYoung]

USB 2.0 and Firewire 400 have comparable transfer speeds.

Side comment: $20 is ridiculously expensive?
(walks off muttering about having built his own CAT 5 cables)

[7 cats]

yeah--i found out i can get it at compusa for 18 bucks--not bad, so i'm gonna do it...just so long as i'm not gonna slow things down in transferring stuff to the pod
thanks

[MOCKBA]

I found that USB works more stable for m, so I hooked my iPod using USB cable. It gives me one more advantage, that iPod can be charged regardless on or off my computer. Speed difference is not so noticable, but it's nice to know that it connected faster too.

[chenwei]

i feel USB2.0 is faster than firewire ,but ipod is hotter than when i use firewire,i guess this because the hard disk run too fast, i reload all my 1500+ songs by USB2.0 yesterday and find ipod is so hot and i even can't touch its back ,now the weather here is too hot ,so remember to take you ipod out from iskin or any case for it when you load a lot of songs .