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This is precisely the reason Firewire with the interface du jour for transferring video and other high bandwidth sources, even more so than SCSI. Although Firewire isnt quite as fast as Ultra2/Wide SCSI (80MB/s), there are a number of usability factors that lean quite well on the side of Firewire. Most notable is the plain fact that Firewire is simpler to use, as the PCI cards are Plug and Play, require little effort to install and configure, and devices are hot pluggable (devices can be added or removed from the system without powering down). Unlike SCSI, connecting multiple devices is literally as easy as hooking up the cables SCSI chains require a hefty amount knowledge and time and can often result in many headaches. As far as raw performance is concerned though, U2W SCSI is definitely the leader.
Another thing to keep in mind is that often Firewire devices limit the transfer speed before the maximum interface bandwidth comes into play. Firewire hard drives and CD-Rs, for example, are actually IDE devices that are adapted for the Firewire interface. Since SCSI-based drives generally perform much faster than IDE ones, this performance difference carries over to Firewire as well. Other factors such as large-file efficiency, make SCSI the choice for performance critical systems. In most other situations, though, Firewire is the apt solution (did I mention Firewire is cheaper?? :] ).
In a rather modest looking package, Aten brings their PCI-based Firewire expansion card to market. Now that I have made an abrupt, superficial judgment of this card, I think it is time to continue :] .
Specs
| Interface | PCI |
| Ports | 3 external / 0 internal |
| Platforms | Windows 98 / 2000 |
| Other | Plug and Play, IEEE 1394 OHCI compliant |
Box Contents
Manual
Firewire PCI Card
Like the package, the contents in the box are humble. Note that no installation CD is needed for Firewire cards as the drivers are incorporated in the operating system (although you may need your OS installation CD).
The manual is actually a fold-out pamphlet type deal and it covers the installation process quite well. While a little on the light side, I couldnt imagine that much more information could be provided other than possibly installation diagrams.
One thing that may have been nice to see included is a software CD that some manufacturers provide. Depending on what the software is and how much overhead it adds to the cost of the unit, this could either make the box contents better or worse. It is very nice to receive a program (or programs) that you can really use though
Unusual as it may seem with simple devices like this Firewire card, I must say I appreciate the scarcity in the package department. Why? Well, I much prefer to save a few dollars over having a glossy, pretty looking box that I am going to throw out minutes after opening it. I think Aten has the right idea here, as they keep things simple which inevitably keeps the cost of this card lower than fancier competitors.
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0. not to important but the link didn't link for me error 404 (IE5.5)
1. It would have been nice to have some details about the card e.g. manufactorer of the controller and the supporting IC used, so everyone could compare it with their own cards and to know which generation the controller comes from.
2. No test or sentence about FireNet (1MB) http://www.unibrain.com. It allows to exchange data between 2 PC through IEEE-1394.
3. That you can add on IEE1394 up to 64 devices
4. Cable-length presently up to 4,5m without repeater....
5. That you can upgrade most IDE drives to IEEE1394 just by putting them in an case with IEEE1394 Interface (2.5", 3.5" and 5,25" cases) or complete HDD, CD-R(W) Scanner Video-Digitizer .....
6. It's great for a fast backup on a HDD with IEEE1394 if you don't have much time at hand.
just to add a few other nice possibilities.
I have been using IEEE1394 just for a few weeks and so I am relatively new and looking for knowledge and tips. But if this review is typical for others ....
Just a good start and a lot of words without substance. IMHO not enough to convience someone of the benefits of IEEE1394 and invest into IEEE1394 components instead o USB.
PS:I have so far only the Maxtor 80GB IEEE1394 kit, used the interface for my ABIT KT7A-Raid and a Sony Vaio 600MHz 128MB with ILink (just 4 Wires without power).
Really just H O T plug and play in a running system (disconnect from the LapTop and comnect to the standalone or the other way around without any BSOD so far)and that's another
Just insert card activate in Hardware in Win98SE, and running since. The external drive is according to Sandra much faster then my internal LapTop HDD despite the HDD-IEEE1394 interface adding overhead and lowering achievable speed.
This message was edited by snn47 on May 26 2001.
This message was edited by snn47 on May 26 2001.
But those are great tips you mention!
The way I understood the question was for constructive feedback, so the quality can evolve and not a simple thumbs up or down.
I can appreciate the time and enthusiasm that any article requires, not to mention the work on the test setup. Most of the time you receive at best some positive or negative comments, but only once in a while constructive criticism or technical feedback, because that requires that you have to take the time to think before you write it. While in general it's more convenient to remain quiet rather then taking an active part.
So I think it's now up to the authers of the reviews to take an active part again.