USB 2.0 pci card

Question

Level 1

0 points

USB 2.0 pci card

Just recently updated from os9 to tiger on my G4 digital audio 466mgz. Put somemore ram inand got an external hard drive (laCie 250g mini) and i think i'll last another year or so with it.
The probrblem i am having is i just bought a ipod nano 4 g for my girlfriend (who uses my comp) and as you all know it only has usb1.1. The nano works fine with itunes (newest version) but the transfer rates suck with usb 1.1.
I see that you can put a USB2.0 pci card in, but have read some reviews with the belkin card and how the computer doesnt come out of sleep mode once it was installed.
Does anyone have info on this subject. The nano does sync via firewire so don't give that answer. And to my bafflement either does the new ipod video. So thats why i want to install the usb2 card so i dont have to watch the world grow around my when i tranfer to a 60g ipod using usb1.1.

G4, Mac OS X (10.4.3)

Posted on Dec 8, 2005 6:45 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Mowee

Level 1

5 points

Dec 8, 2005 7:21 AM in response to Meatwagon2

Yeah I have the same problem with a MDD dual 1gig. Apple said "Gee we don't know anything about this." Even though there are threads all over about it. According to most of the makers I talked with yesterday....ADC, Keyspan, Adaptec, Sonnet, Belkin and IOgear all said their cards have the problem. I am wanting to get a new ipod ( I have an original firewire) but this 2.0 problem is a major pain. I thought my computer was really messed up since it kept freezing. Apple's work around is to never put the computer to sleep. You might want to call APlcre and talk to customer relations...maybe they will do something to fix this.

Reply

Answer 2

Meatwagon2 Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 8, 2005 3:40 PM in response to Mowee

thx for the reply. I thought about that, (not putting my computer asleep). Was thinking of purchasing the Sonnet usb 2.0. http://sonnettech.com/product/allegro_usb2.html#tech%20specs.
What a mess. Seems like all of us users that try to extend the life of an old mac run up against the technology wall sooner or later.
I hope that they find a fix to the USB 2.0 pci card problem. I want to buy the new one soon. Otherwise i think i'll just buy the older 30g ipod from macmall or ect. All i want it for anyway is for playing music anyway.
So did turning off the sleep help you with the problem? Or does your computer still have problems? Are you all up to date with all the updates osx 10.4.3, itunes 6.0.1 and ipod updater?
Hope to hear some more feedback.

Reply

Answer 3

Dec 8, 2005 10:15 PM in response to Meatwagon2

Yup, there is a sleep issue, that is well documented, but seems to be different on different models. I have a Quicksilver 2001 867MHz that I just popped an IO Gear USB card in, and so far, so good. Card version is GIC251U. Found another person using the same card on the same system, which is why I bought it. Only $25 or so. Turn off sleep, and you should be ok. Think you need to be at least on 10.3.9.

good luck...

Reply

Answer 4

Meatwagon2 Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 9, 2005 10:57 AM in response to Ken Velasquez

thx ken. Getting sleep is overrated anyway. I'm running 10.4.3. What a mess apple has created. It seems alot people have alot of issues with all these new updated hardware and software. Exspecially with the nano and new ipod not having FW. Also it seems people are having with older ipods and the new ipod auto updater. Was thingking of buying an old ipod 20g cause it comes with a FW and adapter from macmall. good deal, but if it has a problem w/ itunes i think i'll grin and bare a usb 2.0 pci card install amd buy a new ipod.

Reply

Answer 5

Dec 9, 2005 12:58 PM in response to Meatwagon2

Anyone have any luck upgranding a 450 AGP to USB 2.0? Sounds like these card problems are pretty system specific.

Reply

Answer 6

Meatwagon2 Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 9, 2005 1:32 PM in response to Jason West1

i Think it is more os related. since we all have pci slots it doesnt matter if you have a g4 466 mgz like i have or a quicksilver or a yikes. I gather from reading all the discussion posts on the subject it is a os related problem, mostly related to sleep mode. depending on what os your on it shows its head in different ways. but hey i'm no expert.
But all i got to say is that apple made a huge mistake with not offering a FW conection w/ all the new ipod models. seems like i'm not the only one voicing this opinion either. apple forgets about the people who keep ther old g4 running. we should be applauded not excluded. Long live g4's.

Reply

Answer 7

Dec 9, 2005 1:37 PM in response to Meatwagon2

I do recall reading some posts that said older G4 systems seemed to have more trouble with the sleep issue than other G4's. Not sure... but would like to hear from anyone who's been successful upgrading their AGP.

Thanks.

Reply

Answer 8

Meatwagon2 Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 9, 2005 2:29 PM in response to Jason West1

srry jason. Ill be patient and wait with you for an answer. I would like to know as well becuase i'm running a g4 466 ghz digital audio powermac.

Reply

Answer 9

Meatwagon2 Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 9, 2005 2:30 PM in response to Meatwagon2

But.. turning off sleep mode seems like that should work no matter what system you have.

Reply

Answer 10

Feb 4, 2006 12:13 AM in response to Meatwagon2

Just turn off sleep. I've been running my 533MHz DA G4 without sleep for about 8 months because I like to be able to connect to it instantly over the network from my newer Macs and save/access data. I haven't had any problem, though it does heat up the room a couple of degrees. (I like the extra warmth). I set the monitor to go off after a few minutes, but keep the G4 running all the time.

Reply