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Jay Chan · Guest

I would like to add a firewire/USB-2 combo card into my Dell PC for
capturing video and using external storage devices. BTW, I only have
one slot available; this is the reason why I need a combo card instead
of two separate cards. I am eyeing on two combo cards. I would like to
get your opinions on them:

- Adaptec DuoConnect ($80):

Pros:

o Adaptec is a well-known brand, and I have used their other
products with no problem.

o It "seems" to come with MGI VideoWave 4 SE video editing
software (their web site doesn't say what software is included). It is
supposed to be quite configurable. I guess this means it is good.

o It comes with a 6-ft firewire cable for connecting to a video
camera. 6-ft should be good enough for me.

Cons:

o It used to come with a internal connector for power plug. The
latest version doesn't have it any more. According to PC Mag, this
internal power connector is supposed to provide enough juice to
external storage devices. This "seems" to be a significant negative
factor. How bad is missing this feature anyway?

o It used to have internal connectors for firewire and USB. The
latest version doesn't have internal connectors any more. This is a
minor point because I probably won't use internal connectors anyway
(no room for that).

- SIIG FireWire/USB-2 Combo ($80):

Pros:

o It comes with internal power connector.

o It comes with internal connectors for firewire and USB-2.

o It comes with Ulead VideoStudio 5 video editing software. It is
supposed to be a good tool for beginner (like me).

Cons:

o I have not used any SIIG product before.

o It comes with a "short" firewire cable for connecting to a
video camera. I don't know how long the cable actually is. I only know
that it is described as "short" in one of the web site that I come
across. This means I may need to pay $25 to buy a 6-ft cable in case
the bundled cable is really short. This is not a big issue.

My Questions:
I think I will make the decision based on the answer of the
following questions:

1. What's so important about having the internal power connector? If
this is important, how's come Adaptec decided to remove it from the
latest version of their combo card? I would assume that Adaptec would
leave "good enough" alone and leave the internal power connector on
the card if it is a good feature, right? Will I more likely to get
into trouble if I get the Adaptec card and use it to connect to an
external hard disk?

2. Are products from SIIG "good enough"?

3. Any other thing that I should be aware of?

4. Any other brand that is just as good?

Thanks in advance for any information.

Jay Chan