How to Choose an External FireWire Drive

FireWire is the Apple corporation's brand name for the IEEE 1394 interface cable that makes high-speed communications possible. FireWire is mostly used for data transfer with external drives, DV camcorders, webcams and digital movie players. Now you can buy an external FireWire drive with easy setup options to keep your data mobile. Follow these steps to choose the best external FireWire drive for you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the exact requirement for an external FireWire. Remember, FireWire drives are normally auto-configurable. Choose a drive with easy setup options.

2. Determine your storage needs. Usually, a FireWire drive's capacity ranges from 35 GB to 500 GB. For videos or movies, choose a drive with more than 256 MB.

3. Select the data moving capacity you need. It starts from 400 Mbps to 800 Mbp's. For faster data transfer, find one that has a range closer to 800 Mbp's.

4. Check for all the cables available. Also confirm the RPM of the drive. FireWire can extend up to a chaining of 100m.

5. Plan your budget. The prices will increase with its storage capacity.

6. Go online and search Google or Yahoo for the names of suppliers of the FireWire drive. Visit Apple's website (see resources below). Learn about the latest features of an external FireWire drive.

Tips & Warnings

• Always store your data in two drives. In case one drive fails, the data will be available in the other.
• Sony has branded FireWire technology as iLink.
• Find out ways to upgrade your firmware to the latest technology before making your final decision.