Firewire to USB converter?

bsharpbsharp
Posted:
in Genius Bar edited January 2014
I have a couple of old Macs, and plan to upgrade in the near future. However, I have a need now for large external storage. The iPod seems like a nice solution, but I don't have a firewire port.



Is there a device that converts firewire to USB?



If not, does anyone recommend a good external storage device with USB and Firewire capability?



Thanks.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 4
    nebagakidnebagakid Posts: 2,692member
    You could always get a PCI FireWire Card, or if you have one, a NuBus FireWire Card, yet, I am not shure if have something as old as that not to just get a new computer.



    \tThere are many HD solutions with drives that both have USB and FireWire support. I know of one off the top of my head from LaCie.



    \tYet, an iPod for external storage is not the best idea. Eventually you will just want to play music on it and then you will realize that other HD solutions were cheaper than having a really freaking small HD.



    \tYet, DCo1 is the bomb, so do whate'er you please, sire. <img src="graemlins/smokin.gif" border="0" alt="[Chilling]" /> :cool:
  • Reply 2 of 4
    allinoneallinone Posts: 279member
    [quote]Originally posted by bsharp:

    <strong>I have a couple of old Macs, and plan to upgrade in the near future. However, I have a need now for large external storage. The iPod seems like a nice solution, but I don't have a firewire port.</strong><hr></blockquote>



    You need to tell us more about what you have and what you want to do.



    What are the Macs that you have?



    Do they already have USB or SCSI?



    What do you need the external storage for?



    You could definitely get 5GB of SCSI storage for less than the cost of an iPod.



    (make me an offer, I've got a pile waiting for me to put them up on Ebay)



    :-)



    Further, word is iPods are not built to be used as continuously accessed drives. They do not disipate heat well enough. When run as MP3 players most of the time they are running off the 32MB cache...



    Hope this helps.
  • Reply 3 of 4
    bsharpbsharp Posts: 64member
    Thanks for the suggestions. Here is my situation:



    I have an old PowerPC 8500. I've added a G3 processor upgrade and a USB card. I have a 4 gig and 1 gig drive in the computer.



    I also have an original Blueberry iBook.



    Next week I'm moving, but will probably leave the 8500 until the movers arrive in about 2 weeks. In the meantime I have some work to do, so I'll proabably use the iBook. However, I would like access to all of my files - thus the idea of adding an external drive. Eventually, I'd like this drive to be compatible with my next Mac (waiting for the G5's), so I'd like something with Firewire.



    Thoughts???



    Thanks.
  • Reply 4 of 4
    allinoneallinone Posts: 279member
    [quote]Originally posted by bsharp:

    <strong>

    Thoughts???



    Thanks.</strong><hr></blockquote>



    Look, we don't know you or your systems. You have to give us context.



    OK, so you are moving. This is supposed to be the most stressful life event after death of a loved one. But for the sake the those trying to help you pull yourself together.



    You want firewire on your 8500?



    How does $24 for a Firewire card sound?



    <a href="http://eshop.macsales.com/Catalog_Item.cfm?ID=4480&Item=OWCLUCT5X"; target="_blank">http://eshop.macsales.com/Catalog_Item.cfm?ID=4480&Item=OWCLUCT5X</a>;



    I personally am running an 8550 with a Newer G3/250 card, 400 MB RAM with XPostFacto and MacOSX. Makes a great server, never log in through the GUI tho. I call the machine "8550 Forever" 'cause it runs like a champ and I am looking to get another 5 years out of it.



    Here's a website that is hosted on it:



    <a href="http://www.mechtilt.com/"; target="_blank">http://www.mechtilt.com/</a>;



    For a Firewire drive, I'd consider an 80GB cobra for $300.



    <a href="http://eshop.macsales.com/Catalog_Item.cfm?ID=3757&Item=EZQB66600"; target="_blank">http://eshop.macsales.com/Catalog_Item.cfm?ID=3757&Item=EZQB66600</a>;



    Obviously you could copy the contents of the iBook and 8500 many times over with that drive. You'd be buying for the future here, would hold up to video editing on a G5 fer sher. If you can't justify that $ now get a smaller one.



    If you want more internal storege on the 8500 consider an ATA card and an ATA drive:



    <a href="http://eshop.macsales.com/Item_Specials.cfm?ID=2909&Item=VSTATARAID"; target="_blank">http://eshop.macsales.com/Item_Specials.cfm?ID=2909&Item=VSTATARAID</a>;



    $49 opens the door to huge cheap ATA drives on that old 8500.



    Well I think I answered your question and then some. Come back again if you need more.



    AllInOne
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