Alright, here are my two setups:

1)

IBM T30 Thinkpad Notebook
Pentium IV 1.6 GHZ
4200 or 4500rpm Hard Drive

2)

Desktop
Pentium III 500 MHZ
7200rpm Hard Drive

My dilemma here is that I don't know which one of my computers I should use to encode my CDs and to transfer to the iPod. I want the computer that's going to do all of this the fastest. My notebook destroys my desktop in terms of processor speed, but does the notebook's slower hard drive hinder it?

So which setup is faster?

If the notebook isn't substantially faster than my desktop, I think I'd much rather use my desktop because it has more hard drive space.

Help me out.

Thanks.

I wouldn't worry about which one is faster I would use the one that I would 'miss' the most. In other words tie up the desktop and you'll still be able to do other things on the notebook. Or better yet, if you have a network connection, do 'em on both of them and transfer the files to the one with the most space.

I have an old ThinkPad 600E, and in secure mode EAC rips verrrry slooowly (.4speed). And the CD drive becomes very hot. If this is the same with current ThinkPad's, i'd opt for the desktop.

You'll be able to encode faster on the laptop, and transfer faster on the desktop. You'll notice a difference in the CPU speeds, but as for transferring data through firewire using computers that access data with 4500 and 7200 RPM HDDs, it shouldnt be very (if at all) noticeable. This is of course assuming that you're using the same firewire card (which of course you're not).

You also need to consider this:
Seeing how it's an old laptop, is the firewire connection powered (6pin?). Because if it isnt, when you're transferring files to the iPod, you'll be depending solely on the iPod's battery, which will drain it pretty fast (can be worrysome if you're transferring a large number of files).

Personally I'd go with the desktop, mainly because of the increased HDD space..

thanks for the help everyone.

i'm gonna do everything with my desktop.

now another question:

Firewire or USB 2.0 ?

on my desktop, i'd have to buy a PCI card for whichever method i'm going to choose. they're both about the same price, the only difference is, is that i'm going to have to shell out another $20 for that USB 2.0 cable from Apple.

is there a noticable speed difference between the two?

Well, currently you have to use firewire... USB 2.0 support isn't slated to appear until June according to Apple.

i know.

i don't plan on buying an iPod until June anyway. i'm just trying to figure out everything in advance.

Well, theoretically USB 2.0 is marginally faster than firewire. In real-life, they appear about the same. USB has much more overhead than firewire. It's a moot point anyway, as the HDD in the iPod can not reach the speeds of either USB 2.0 or firewire.

If you are buying PCI cards right now, I'd go with firewire, as we know it works. Can't say what bugs will be introduced with USB 2.0 support.

There are current cards on the market that offer both USB2.0 and firewire support on the same card... might be an option.

The USB 2.0 won't charge the 'pod either so you'll have to buy a new cable and still use your brick to plug into the wall. That's why the usb cable has 2 ends on it. One for the PC and one for the brick to charge it. Seems like too much hassle to me unless you can't get firewire.

Actually in real life, USB2.0 doesnt even come close to Firewire. I dont really want to go into the specifics, but let's just say that the whole USB2 thing is just a gimmick.

By all means, Im not against it, and it is a lot faster than USB1. It's just a little funny how the PR guys have promoted USB2 to be faster than firewire, when in real life it isnt.


Anyways, if you dont have either yet, I'd recommend firewire also. If not because of the better (and more reliable) speeds, then because it will be able to power your iPod.

You hit the Nail on the head with that one Super Man. Firewire is better and more reliable than USB 2.shmo!! Thank you High Speed Digital Design class!!!!