how can I read firewire without a 1394 port on my laptop.

[qsabe]

Does my pavilion laptop accept any cards that could allow me to save camcorder DV tape data from a camera with a fireware port.

[ronaldaung]

you can always get expresscard (firewire ports) for your laptop:

LACIE FIREWIRE EXPRESSCARD (AMAZON.COM)

[Dragon-Fur]

Qsabe,

Newegg has an adapter for $28 US, Walmart has it for $20 US.  Amazon probably carries them. too.

It's a firewire-usb adapter that has all sorts of adapter tips for DVDs, cameras, etc.

Sima USB/FireWire Multi-Adapter Cable

If you can get to a big box store and your DVD recorder looks similar to the picture below, you might be able to buy a single converter string for pretty cheap.

Do an image search on Google to get a better idea on what's available and what you need.

It is my pleasure to assist.

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[ronaldaung]

that USB-FIREWIRE ( i am not refering to that particular model/brand) is not recommended. just get a real firewire card , something like the one post earlier. you dont have to really get LACIE brand , of course. there are many of them.  

paying 60-100$ may seems more , but when that 60-100$ does the work beautifully well, and dont even think about using the 10-20$ cheap useless craps (this is really wasting money).

[Dragon-Fur]

Good to know!

One is never sorry to buy the best.

I will do some research here and learn something of value.

I hate useless,  well - anything.

Thanks, Ronald!

[qsabe]

My laptop is an HP Model # DV6-2150us  I like the idea of buying a card for 1394a connection of my DV camcorder, but they are expensive and not available at the Best Buy, the only computer place left in the Detroit area.   I want to oder one but what kind do I order?    HP is worthless for getting information about one of their products.   The left side of my laptop looks like this.   The big thing on the right side is just filling a hole, but I can see pins at the end of it.  Is that what I should look for to get firewire access in this thing?  Any reciomendations would be appreciated.

.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

Hi Qsabe,

Here is your Service Manual:

HP Pavilion dv6 Entertainment PC - Maintenance and Service Guide

Look on Page 17.  See #10 - that slot on the top on the far right, on the left side of your notebook?  That is called an Express Card slot, it fits "54mm" cards.

The card Ronald described in his Post is:

Firewire 800 Expresscard-2 1394B Ports 9-Pin 6-Pin

This is another source for the described product, this one is by SIIG:

http://www.provantage.com/siig-nn-ec2812-s2~7SII2085.htm

The little covered square box on your notebook (on that same left side) is the little 1394 connector that could have been purchased as an optional feature.

Which One??

The truth is that you could probably use either the card OR the single cable converter.  Other people's opinions aside, it's your money and unless your DV camcorder manual specifically warns you for or against a particular kind of equipment, then you can make your own decision.  Read your manual - go online and read what it says if you don't have a paper copy.

Buyer Beware: 

Find out what your store's return policy is before you purchase so you can take back an item if you cannot use it for any reason.

Check it Out:

Go to the ProAdvantiage website (above) and read about the SIIG device.  Learn about what the device does and why it's a good choice.

My Experience:

I have a single cable USB to 1394 converter that I use on a very expensive Sony HD camera / video recorder and it works just fine.  I am not a professional photographer.

Look at your manual.  See what it says and what you have on your machine.

Google more information.  Make your selection.

It is my pleasure to assist.

Say “Thanks!” by clicking the Kudos Star to show your appreciation for the help.

Fixed?  Mark this Post “Accept as Solution” to help others find the answers.

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[rcvallier]

"I have a single cable USB to 1394 converter that I use on a very expensive Sony HD camera / video recorder and it works just fine."

Hi - I have been searching for this item you refer to with no luck. Can you point me to a sample of this type of cable? 

Thanks