USB2 vs firewire

[nufan292]

I was wondering, if I were to use a external enclosure for a dvdr drive, which would be better to use, usb2.0 or firewire? When I burn I'm not planning on running or using the computer for anything else. The reason for this being is that it is connected to a laptop.

[Bulten]

Well if you have a firewire port i guess that would be the best because of the high speed transfer rate (I don't know the exact speed, but it's faster than 100 mbit, more like 400 mbit, that's for sure). At the same time you might not need the high transfer rate for DVD burning. It feels though like firewire would be the best option.

[miketree]

It shouldn't make much difference.

If you already have usb2 or firewire, use it.

If not, are you likely to use firewire or usb2 for anything else in the future?

If you have both, go on price or external dvd-r. If they're the same price, toss a coin..

[Craig Tucker]

USB2 actually has a slightly faster transfer rate than firewire.

[q1aqza]

USB2 actually has a slightly faster transfer rate than firewire.

I didn't know that. I wonder if Firewire days are now numbered

[painkiller]

Firewire is far from dying out.
In fact, its specifications have been doubled (from 400 to 800 mbps) in speed as well as an increase in distance (cable length, depends on use of copper or fiber).

Apple is the first to advertise its latest computer as having the new Firewire 800.

http://www.1394ta.org/

http://www.apple.com/powermac/

Speed has a new definition now.

[VinnySem]

If you are planning on buying an enclosure, get one that supports BOTH USB 2.0 and FireWire, simply for most widespread compatibility. They have them at www.newegg.com for only a few dollars more than ones that only support one interface. They also have PCI cards that have both on them. My work PC has FireWire, my home PC has USB 2.0 and FireWire, and I am getting a laptop that has USB 2.0. I have the Sony DRU-500UL that has both interfaces. With this setup, I am not limited to which system I can use the burner on, if only one system can connect to your burner and it goes down for an extended period of time, then you can't burn at all.

Transfer rates for each are very close: FireWire 400Mbps, USB 2.0 480Mbps. The differences are negligible.

[Greg12]

Firewire is here to stay. It is the De Facto Standard it seems for Digital Video.

[Gazorgan]

USB2 ports also support older USB 1.1 devices, so pretty much anything with a USB cable will work on it. Firewire is primarily Drives and digital camera's.

Personally I'd go with USB2. If you get an external enclosure, get a dual FW/USB2 it's worth a few extra dollars.

[nufan292]

Thanks for all your help. In some reading that I read through it says that usb2.0 puts more of a load on the cpu than firewire, but I guess that won't make as much of a difference since I won't be doing anything else on the comp at the time, thank again.

[donpedro]

I feel that FireWire is more stable than USB (not from experience, just reading here). USB is good in case that for some (not known right now) reason you need to connect your burner to different computer (for example sisters PC need backup), there is better chance that it has USB than FireWire. So it is up to you. My is FireWire.

[130T|_|L15/\/\]

Don't forget to consider drivers. Usually the one that has been around the longest should have better driver support.

Check out the article PC Magazine wrote about USB2.0 versus FireWire.

[dun4cheap]

I purchased my Sony DRU500a and put it in a Trio External box I picked up new for $45. This external box has firewire, usb2, and usb1. Nothing like having the best of all the worlds. I prefer the firewire, but it all works.

dun4cheap