Usb 2.0

***Chip*** · #1 11-29-2003, 06:57 PM

Can anyone give me some basic information on USB 2.0? I know it's faster than the regular USB I have in my computer now, and I know it'll really help in transferring data when I want to get that MP3 player. I'd like to know exactly what I have to do to upgrade to USB 2. Is it a piece of hardware that I have to install inside my computer like a new video card? How exactly does it work, where does it install, how much do they typically run for, and can it work with USB 1.1?

Thanks for helping. Give me advice or anything else you have to offer if you've made a purchase like this before.

**Kyle L** · #2 11-29-2003, 08:32 PM

It's not really upgrading much. The product you are recieveing is most likley backwards compatable to USB 1.1

I hear you talking about that Ipod, so I assume you are wondering if the Ipod will connect with your PC? If all is true about Ipods, then a firewire connection is a possibility.

And also, what you mentioned was a little bit confusing. So your computer HAS USB 2.0 ports, correct? Then a upgrade is not necissary. If it's 1.1 then I'm not sure how to do that. Most USB ports are built into the motherboard, and the external ones that are in the front of the case can't be easily replaced. So basically, to upgrade, you would need to get a new motherboard, which is bleh. But I think you have one. The USB 2.0's are common these days.

Back to the firewire, this is yet another confusing connector to your computer. If all is true, Ipods offer firewire connectivity. Firewire is a blazing fast connection that makes the USB look pointless. 400MB a second with firewire is very fast. So if the Ipod supports Firewire, you can use it with your computer IF it has a firewire port. If not, you can buy a FireWire PCI card at a computer store for 20 bucks.

Sorry if I confused you. If you need more explaining to do, you can IM me.

oramonster · #3 11-30-2003, 01:58 AM

USB 2.0 is an updated USB standard. It transfers data at around 480Mb/sec. If your computer doesn't already have it, then you'll need to buy and expansion card that plugs into an empty PCI slot in the back of your computer, similar to a video card, like you mentioned. The card isn't very expensive...around 20 bucks online and maybe 30 at retail stores.

Old USB only transfers data at 11Mb/sec
so you can see that USB 2.0 is almost 44 times faster.

Firewire transfers data at 400Mb/sec.

iPod is compatible with both firewire and USB 2.0 so no worries in that department.

Here's a link to a card that you might need.

[url]http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1051384744347&skuId=5448759&type=product&productCategoryId=cat01078[/url]

BimmerZ3 · #4 11-30-2003, 11:44 AM

How can I look on my computer to find out if I allready have USB 2.0?

oramonster · #5 11-30-2003, 01:13 PM

If your're running Windows XP, then follow these instructions:

Start > Control Panel > System (or "Performance and Maintenence" and then System) > Hardware tab > Device Manager > then click on the + sign by "Universal Serial Bus Controllers

If you see USB 2.0 or anything similar, then you probably have it. I"m sure there's easier ways of checking, but I don't know them.

-seth

General Public · #6 11-30-2003, 01:21 PM

I don't want to stray too off topic with this question for you computer goons, but firewire seems superior to usb. Do any of you think that it will replace or supercede usb as the connection of choice with peripherals?

**Kyle L** · #7 11-30-2003, 02:32 PM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by General Public [/i]
[B]I don't want to stray too off topic with this question for you computer goons, but firewire seems superior to usb. Do any of you think that it will replace or supercede usb as the connection of choice with peripherals? [/B][/QUOTE]

Kinda allready does General Public. All the high grade camcorders with MiniDV and up, all have FireWire connectivity. This way, you can get mega high quality video shots. (About 5 minutes of tape will equal about 1 GB on the highest quality setting.) Granted almost everything runs on USB 2.0 Firewire to me seems more promising. It does transfer faster than USB. (I'm almost sure, because the high transfer data stuff like External Hard Drives all can run on Firewire.)

Basically Firewire is a good alternative, and I would get it if you have a camcorder or MP3 player with firewire connectivity. Now me, unfortunatley I have NO firewire devices, but I have 4 firewire ports in my machine. (3 on a ACR card, and one in the front). My computer was custom tuned by me, so I got the works. Besides, allways helps to have one.

You can get either USB 2.0 or Firewire on a PCI card.

oramonster · #8 11-30-2003, 02:39 PM

Firewire (ieee1394) was developed by Apple Computer in the late 1980s and standardized by the IEEE in 1995. Sony soon licenced Ieee1394 for use in their digital camcorders., calling the techonology i.Link. Many other camcorder compaines followed suit, establishing Firewire as a standard. Firewire is very high speed and is always high speed.

USB was a standard adopted by a majority of peripheral makers to connect simple devices such as mice, keyboards, printers, etc. USB was simple, low-power, and relatively slow. USB 2.0 just ramps up the speed, while maintaining compatibility with USB 1.1.

Firewire is superior and meant for intense applications. USB is simpler, and easier to implement in common peripherals. I think both will be around for awhile, as they serve two differnet purposes.

Firewire 800 has recently been standardized and allegedly transfers data at 800Mb/sec so we'll have to see if that catches on.

Intamin42 · #9 11-30-2003, 05:55 PM

Firewire is cool, but I have never used my firewire ports because I have nothing that would use it. My camcorder uses USB.

oramonster · #10 11-30-2003, 09:01 PM

You have a less common camcorder.

My iPod is Firewire (i know it's both) my sisters digital camcorder is also firewire as is my brother's external DVD burner and my brother in law's Roland 1680. I have no USB 2.0 devices.

BimmerZ3 · #11 11-30-2003, 11:24 PM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by oramonster [/i]
[B]If your're running Windows XP, then follow these instructions:

Start > Control Panel > System (or "Performance and Maintenence" and then System) > Hardware tab > Device Manager > then click on the + sign by "Universal Serial Bus Controllers

If you see USB 2.0 or anything similar, then you probably have it. I"m sure there's easier ways of checking, but I don't know them.

-seth [/B][/QUOTE] It says "Intel(R) 82801BA/BAM USB Universal Host Controller." Does that mean I don't have it?

About Firewire, I used to use it at school for a class. We always used it with our camcorders, which were mostly Sonys and JVC. When it worked, it was amazing, but the comps we had iMacs sucked. So yeah.

oramonster · #12 12-01-2003, 12:59 AM

Probably not, Bimmer, bummer. If you ever have the need for it, the cards are cheap, so no biggie.

Intamin42 · #13 12-01-2003, 03:15 PM

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by oramonster [/i]
[B]Probably not, Bimmer, bummer. If you ever have the need for it, the cards are cheap, so no biggie. [/B][/QUOTE]

Some things might be cheap, but can be a pain to install.

Did I mention I am going to build a computer? (Seriously, I really am)

Marc · #14 12-01-2003, 04:36 PM

Building a computer is easy. It looks more daunting than it really is. Here is some great advise for computers, installing componets or a whole system.
1) Do your homework. Find out what you need in terms of compatiblity and features. In this case, a USB2.0 device.
2) Read the instructions throughly. This doesn't mean every line in every manual, but rather important stuff like how to install pages. Some devices are a simple as plug it in and it works, while others need drivers and other software to be installed.
3) Take your time. Haste can cause more headaches and expensive paperweights.

In the last 10 years or so, compatibility has been important to PC's. Good news for the consumers (us) bad news for the engineers(the people that do all the hard work so we don't have to).

mgkaotic · #15 12-01-2003, 04:37 PM

its an easy install. First remove the case, then find an available pci slot. Unscrew the tab thing and push it out. Now just plug the the expansion card to the slot and screw it in,