looking for firewire/usb 2.0 ... or new soundcard?

[FnP]

Hi!

I just bought a 30gb iPod ($415 dell deal) and now i need a usb2.0 or firewire connection on my computer as i guess usb 1.0 wont do it.

i've been looking for usb2.0/firewire combo cards, but they seem to cost almost as much as a new audigy2 soundcard ($60-$70)(which will come with just firewire)

if i buy a standalone pci card... i would rather it had both usb2.0 and firewire, but if i get the soundcard i'll live with just the firewire.

have you seen any deals on those products or have any even cheaper suggestions?

thanks!

[ToledoSteel]

Check Ebay.

link (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?GetResult&query=1394+usb&from=R8&ht=1&st=2&category2=3667&Top10=&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&catref=C1)

[cursor]

In another thread somewhere someone said that the Audigy's firewire card goes REALLY SLOW in comparison to a stand-alone pci card. I got mine for $20 after rebate at CompUSA. If you check around, and are willing to wait (Memorial Day should see some good sales), then you can probably find a similar or better deal.

One thing to consider is that USB 2.0 is still not officially supported by the iPod. It requires a software update that has not yet been released.

Newegg has a 1394 card for $18 with free shipping:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?DEPA=&submit=Go&description=pci+1394

It has an NEC chipset, too--that's a big plus. Mine uses the TI, which is also good.

Good luck!