Not all FW cables are created equal?

[jasondv]

When I got my external hard drive, I got a USB/FW combo because the drive can be bus-powered if I use the FW cable -- super convenient when traveling. I recently saw a very small, retractable FW cable in Virra Mall, and almost bought it but I remembered someone telling me that not all FW cables are created equal -- the thin, retractable ones can transmit data but NOT power (that's why the Belkin model is so huge daw -- it needs thicker cable to provide power from the bus).

Is that true? I really want to get the retractable cable because it's more convenient for traveling, but it'll be useless if it can't power the drive. Can anyone shed light on this issue?

[opd]

i do know that in transferring digital video to an indigo powerbook, one of my two firewire cables at the time was "favored" and would work perfectly while the other would be quirky. Had to mark the good one clearly.

In your case, if you are able to test the retractable cable by bringing your USB/FW combo drive, that would be the best way to find out.

[NoisyCricket]

how much are the generic ones, and where can you find them? as long as they cost less than P500 @ i guess i can afford to buy different ones and see which ones work better

any recommendations, anyone?

[elbert]

Thanks for the info, Jason. I was about to throw my retractable because I thought it wasn't working. I usually use FW cables for my external drive. If it doesn't send power, then the drive won't work (duh). Maybe I should try it with two laptops in target disk mode.

Perhaps Apple's Thin FireWire Cable might be of interest to you. It's much much thinner than conventional FW cables, therefore, it's less bulky.

It's available in two lengths, 1/2 meter and 1.8 meters. The one I have is the longer one. It's so much smaller and lighter compared to my 1 meter conventional FW cable, even if it's longer.

[Edited on 9-28-2004 by elbertc]

[jasondv]

Hmm... interesting. But if I had a choice, I'd get this 6-inch 6-pin-to-6-pin cable from TomatoChip.com, which costs only $5. It's enough for my needs, and looks conveninet for traveling. The only thing that's stopping me is that it'll probably cost more to ship it here. It'll probably cost less to have it shipped to someone in the US who can bring it home (hint, hint)

[Tantantiniiin]

@Elbert, I wonder why they even wrap the cable in metal mesh? I also have a couple of those and I find it hard to use, but easy to keep. It's not like its gonna be used inside a car's engine naman so why, di ba? Baka maybe to prevent roaches and rodents from gnawing into it

I still have the mini FW cable (both ends) but is for my PS2, costs about P1000 when I bought it. Cant use it for my laptop and ext hard disk though. Im just keeping it for some future i-Link battles.

I also have the retractable Brando FW-iPod cable, but I noticed it also doesnt charge the iPod. I just keep it in my travel bag together with the FW car charger.

Or maybe, its got something to do with the PC card that I'm using?

Tantin

[elbert]

Originally posted by jasondv
Hmm... interesting. But if I had a choice, I'd get this 6-inch 6-pin-to-6-pin cable from TomatoChip.com, which costs only $5. It's enough for my needs, and looks conveninet for traveling. The only thing that's stopping me is that it'll probably cost more to ship it here. It'll probably cost less to have it shipped to someone in the US who can bring it home (hint, hint)

I tried, Jason. I wanted to get one for myself too. Unfortunately, they wouldn't accept my card since billing address is non-US/Canade.

[jasondv]

Ngek. Oh, well... I'll take a look at the thin FW cable na lang. Thanks for trying.

[NoisyCricket]

hey jason, i saw a 6pin to 6pin in virra mall just today. 2nd floor. Abacus Microcomputer, Inc. Narra lane. P450.

Same place I got a 4 to 6 pin for my system.