• Registered: 2010-10-30
  • Posts: 21

Topic: Laptops with no Firewire - what to do

Hello dear folks,

I am thinking about getting a new laptop. The problem is, that many don't seem to have Firewire ports any more.
The Macbook isn't really my first option, I'd prefer sth cheaper and more trustworthy (I keep hearing stories of colleagues whose MBP go faulty just after the one year warranty...), and I like my current HPs docking station so that I can attach to my studio setup or take it on the run in no time.

Are there USB3 to FW adapters/hubs? What are the current card slot interface types? Will any of those bring problems or performance issues to my FF800?

Thanks for any tips, I'm a little out of date on the current situation right now ...
Cheers,
Andrew

  • Knut
  • Knut
  • DAW Mastermind
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 1,618

Re: Laptops with no Firewire - what to do

USB to FW adapters does not exist. ExpressCards with FW ports are available.

For Macbooks see here: http://www.rme-audio.de/forum/viewtopic.php?id=12688

best regards
Knut

  • Registered: 2010-10-30
  • Posts: 21

Re: Laptops with no Firewire - what to do

Thanks for the link - Thunderbolt is very rare though too, isn't it?

4 Reply by Masaaki (edited by Masaaki 2011-10-28 15:15:34)

  • Registered: 2011-05-04
  • Posts: 249

Re: Laptops with no Firewire - what to do

There are several ways for PC laptops.
Get laptops that has firewire, such as HP Elitebook or Thinkpad W520. I have W520 and the firewire (Ricoh chip) works with FF UFX. I heard HP Elitebook has TI chip, but it's just what I heard. These laptops have expresscard slot, so you can install firewire card, like Lacie, which has TI chip for sure. Another way is to use USB interface such as FF UC. "Firewire is better" is now a little bit outdated (there are still some strength), as long as you get quality one like UC or Babyface (or UFX).