iPad example of poor USB2 performace, but Apple already has a better way.

[PracticalMac]

You seem to be arguing that Apple resurrect dead firewire technology. This is simply foolish. Apple looks forward, not backwards.

USB2 is older then FireWire 800, thus FireWire is actually the LATEST technology in the market.

FW is built into 10 years of Macs (2000~2010), some 95+% of all Macs made in that time.

They are also built into some 56% of all PC's (iLINK/1394/FW)

With the performance advantage of FW over USB, its foolish not to use it.

 

[calderone]

http://www.apple.com/feedback/ipad.html

 

[PracticalMac]

Theoretical and Actual are not necessarily light and day, consider your precious Firewire, which performs very close to its actual.

A more clear way to state is that in the case of USB the theoretical speed and actual speed are light and day.

And you may be correct, calling out a fact as propaganda to only later correct your post is not "correct."

Read my post above as to why you will never get Firewire back in iProds, unless of course Firewire becomes more ubiquitous.

Yes, you might have offered a better way to express the statements, but the intent of my post is correct.

Propaganda: Advertising that USB2 is 480 Mb/s is propaganda since it is proven USb2 actual through-put is significantly less then 480.

My "correction" is to clarify my statement, not recanting the meaning of what I typed.

As to ubiquitous FireWire, there are more FW computers built today then 2 years ago. In fact I think the 4 pin "iLINK" is the most common 1394 connection today.

 

[TuffLuffJimmy]

USB2 is older then FireWire 800, thus FireWire is actually the LATEST technology in the market.

FW is built into 10 years of Macs (2000~2010), some 95+% of all Macs made in that time.

FireWire 800/400 support would be wonderful in the iPad. Apple wouldn't have to force you to use it either, there are iPods that used both FireWire and USB. However, Apple began taking out the FireWire chip, because few people used it and it helped cut down the size of the iPod. I don't agree with the decision, but I can see why they did it.

They are also built into some 56% of all PC's (iLINK/1394/FW)

Sadly, this is not quite accurate. Most PCs with FireWire connectivity have four pin 400, instead of six, this means it's not getting any power, so the iPad wouldn't be able to charge, but that doesn't stop someone from using USB in those sort of situations.

With the performance advantage of FW over USB, its foolish not to use it.

Maybe one day we'll be using FireWire 1600 or 3200 to sync. More likely it'll be USB and LightPeak.

 

[Jakeoster]

That is geek level comedy!

FireWire is under the authority of the IEEE, an INDUSTRY WIDE standards organization, with Apple the leader for the 1394 standard.


USB is 100% proprietary under the control of Intel.


Definition of "Standard": commonly used or supplied
If you go to Best Buy or Frys, how many computers have USB 3?

Now, How many computers have 1394/FireWire/iLINK in that same store?

FireWire **IS** a Standard. USB3 is not (as of this post, likely till 2011).

And no, USB2 is not upward compatible to USB3.

My mistake, I was refering to the ubiquity of USB. As in the industry seems to treat USB as the standard. I was not using standard to denote it's literal meaning. You cannot deny the fact the APPLE of all people doesn't even think it's imperative to include FireWire in all of their product line, namely the MacBook, consider the consequences if they did that to USB. I concede defeat in this thread because I am bringing it off topic. My apologies.

 

[PracticalMac]

http://www.apple.com/feedback/ipad.html

Thank you for pointer, but I already submitted.

I know it is a very small chance it will happen, but if I don't say anything it never will.


Maybe iPad will get USB 3 first, but of course will need a USB3 Mac first too, so right now odds are iPad will get FW 800 before USB3.

 

[Billy Boo Bob]

You seem to be arguing that Apple resurrect dead firewire technology. This is simply foolish. Apple looks forward, not backwards.

So, offering nothing but USB 2 on all devices is looking forward?

 

[PracticalMac]

My mistake, I was refering to the ubiquity of USB. As in the industry seems to treat USB as the standard. I was not using standard to denote it's literal meaning. You cannot deny the fact the APPLE of all people doesn't even think it's imperative to include FireWire in all of their product line, namely the MacBook, consider the consequences if they did that to USB. I concede defeat in this thread because I am bringing it off topic. My apologies.

Understood, and while you apology is gracious, is not required.
Posting in placed like this one needs to think it though, but we slip on our postings sometimes.

Yes, USB is ubiquitous ( ), but does that mean it's the best? No.
Perfect example is PC and Mac. All becuase it can do it does not mean its best, or even ideal.

FW was fading due to lack of advertising and education, but there is still a strong market as seen by the good selection of FW800 HDD (with USB2) on the market.
Apple would help it self by promoting FireWire more, until a successor is firmly established.