I've had my cam for a while, and have not yet been able to get the video out to my computer. Since I don't have a modern TV or VCR, the computer is the only practical way to view my videos.
The cam is a Pan dv852, computer is a Thinkpad with XP Pro, 768 RAM and a recent cpu (P - M1.6).

I have a SIIG kit, incl cardbus (laptop) 3port card, cable, and Ulead VS 7.0. Their tech reccomended I return it as we haven't been able to get it working.

Goal: To get a reliable setup with as little overhead (buying and installing) as possible. I'd prefer a kit with the card, cable and software or one reseller who supports all. For software, ease of use and reliability are more important right now than power.

i Does it matter what 1394 card I use? I understand that some are (or at least were several years ago) intended for video use in particular
ii Software - First it should work without phone & email tag with tech support. Second, it should work without hours of reading the manual for obscure tweaks. Third it should have a modest but well designed set of features. It should be able to save with various degrees of compression and in the most common formats.
iii Cost - I'd like to keep the whole thing under $100, or even under $50. The SIIG kit was $50 at full retail.

thanks!!


Larry

The Adaptec FireConnect (http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=287676) is a safe bet, though you pay a little extra for Adaptec's reputation.

I used a Maxtor firewire PC card (http://www.maxtor.com/en/products/accessories/firewire/1394_cardbus_adapter_card/index.htm) for 2 years, never gave me any problems. I didn't like the dongle though, it was too easy to misplace.