Expresscard /34 Firewire Card

[illuminationexcursion]

Hi guys, I'm planning to get an Expresscard /34 Firewire card.

Currently running off a HP laptop (Probook 4411s) on Windows XP, might upgrade to Windows 7.

Any recommendations on which express /34 firewire card to get which is reliable and works well in windows environment?

I know there are established brands like Sonnet and Belkin. Are they really better? Are there cheaper alternatives just as good?

 

[exin]

Hey.

I'm not familiar with the brands but i suggest you check out the reviews online. I read of some Expresscard brands having driver issues with certain operating systems. So ensure that the ExpressCard you want to get is reputable of being able to work with different platforms.

Belkin is definitely safe.

 

[PatheinRaindropMoe]

one of the frequent mentionings bout those cards, is on finding one with texas instrument chip. Its has least compatibility issues for pluggin in audio interface or some other devices.

i have been using one which was randomly bought in simlim square at ah beng shop on 5th floor. Even though its a nameless brandless card. But it works for me laptop and firewire interface

 

[illuminationexcursion]

I went around asking different shops and most of them sell the same brandless ones. There was one particular ah beng shop somewhere on level 5 (possibly the one you bought from too) selling a brandless firewire 800 one at less than a hundred.

Also, I'm thinking whether I really need the firewire 800. I do not foresee recording anything more than 4 tracks at once so firewire 400 should be more than enough. And since future firewire 800 devices would be backward compatible with firewire 400.

My budget is to find one firewire 400 /34 card for max $50. If anyone knows exactly which one I should buy, drop me a PM or suggest which shop I can get it at. Thanks.

 

[justinification]

hi TS, yeah i'm looking for one too. lemme know if you find any within your budget.

i previously bought one OEM one from SimLim for around 80bux, but it had compatibility issues with my mLAN card. i managed to return the card in exchange for smth else, and haven't searched for / dared to buy another card yet.