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iPod Why USB 2.0? Why not firewire?

igetit

igetit

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 22, 2005
77
23
Snoqualmie, WA
I used to own a first generation iPod which I eventually gave to my brother. I purchased a new (I guess old now :rolleyes: ) color screen iPod. To my surprise (or lack of research I guess) I had to buy a firewire cable in order to use my new iPod with my aging G4.

My question is why is Apple using USB instead of firewire? I think USB sucks in comparison to FW. USB requires the iPod to be charged at least 10% to be able to transfer songs, FW never had such requirement. Does anyone know why the change? I don't mind having to buy the cable, but now, if I want an iPod Nano I can't have it because the Nano is completely incompatible with FW and I am sure the Video iPod is too. Don't mean to rant but I guess I am pissed about it. :mad:
 
I'm not 100% sure but I think your the first person to make a thread about this. I'm so surprised nobody else has noticed this.
 
the main chip that drives the ipod has a built-in usb controller, and that saves tons of space because firewire would require a whole other controller.
 
Money... Apple wants more money from your iPod purchase... Simple...


Why is USB more popular?


Money... Manufacturers want more money from your _____ purchase... Simple...
 
Apple is using USB because all new PCs have USB 2.0 while only some have Firewire and the majority of those are the 4-pin variety. 4-pin Firewire cannot charge the iPod and Apple is making profits by no longer including the AC adapter in the box. Therefore USB wins by being ubiquitous on the PC side.
 
USB is just more popular, oh well.
People don't realize how much better Firewire is. USB 2.0 says it can transfer at 480 mb/s, while Firewire says it transfers at 400 mb/s, this is my guess why it is more popular, anyone that bothers to look will think USB 2.0 is faster, IT'S NOT! Several studies have proven that Firewire is much faster.
(man, I say that so much, I should make it my sig :p )
 
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