Ordered T60P, now need Firewire and Media Reader

[dgsowers]

I am anxiously awaiting the delivery of my new T60P. I have always wanted a Thinkpad and this is my first one. I almost went with another brand because I need 1394 and wanted a card reader. One day I had the realization that these could be easily added via the Expresscard and PCI slots. I don't use them too often, so no big deal that they are not built-in.

Can anyone reccomend a card reader and a firewire card, I think 1394a but 1394b would be a bonus. Should I do both as Expresscard or leave the card reader in the machine all the time and add the Firewire when needed? The reason I'm asking here is, I've seen reports of some cards affecting the performance/function of the machine if left in all the time. Just want to see if anyone can comment on the T60.

[IdeaDirect]

The three I know of are from SIIG, Abocom and Belkin. Try a google search for Abocom Expresscard, Belkin Expresscard and SIIG Expresscard.

Here is a link to the Expresscard organization that lists all the current compliant expresscards. (Although the Belkin is not listed).

http://www.expresscard.org/web/site/cons_wtb.jsp

I also could have swore that there was a single card with 1394a and 1394b but I may be misremembering... perhaps it was a 4-pin/6-pin.

[dgsowers]

IdeaDirect,
You're the one that got me off my butt to order the T60P. I thank you very much. I guess we are both still waiting for delivery unless you have gotten yours already? I think you're right about the dual firewire card, I think it was a SIIG, but I'll have to research that.

I'm thinking I want a small media card reader to leave in all the time, maybe the Expresscard would be good for that, especially if it sits flush with the edge of the laptop. The firewire card will be bulky and stick out quite a bit, so it will be inserted when needed. Is firewire speed via the PCI card sufficient or does it speed things up to use the newer Expresscard slot?

[amo]

Hi,

I just ordered the SIIG FireWire 800 2-port ExpressCard/54 /NN-EC2812-S1/ card from Euclid, as I was needing Firewire too. It comes with 2 Firewire 800 ports, should do it.

Regards,
Amaury