Firewire "type" help

randomwalk101 2004-12-17 09:22:54 UTC #1

I was searching for a PCMCIA to firewire for my laptop ... I thought it was a simple task until I ran into:

Firewire: 1394, 1394a, 1394b, 1394-1995.......4 pins, 6 pins ????

What the heck?? anyone knows the difference and which should I go for for optimal speed? I'll be using it to hook up my external enclosure with a dvd burner. Thanks.

rdgrimes 2004-12-17 17:32:45 UTC #2

I just got the plain vanilla CompUSA 1394 card and it works fine for me.

KTL 2004-12-18 20:27:05 UTC #3

1394 is just the numbering convention for FireWire interface, 1995 is when FireWire received the IEEE certification. 1394a = 400 Mbps and 1394b = 800 Mbps. Add-on cards for 1394a is PCI and for 1394b is PCI-X (needs higher bandwidth). The 4-pin is typical for digital camcorders or home recording units; aka Sony's iLink. The 6-pin is more widespread among computer motherboards and peripherals.