Firewire/1394 interface is just like the USB 1.1 and USB 2.0. It runs at the speed of 400MB/sec, technically. Most of the DV has support this 1394 as a standard interface. Apple is the beginner who starts to use it to expand and connect all kinds of stuff, such as HD, CD-RW, DV, Professional DV/VCR deck, even the computer itself can work as a HD by 1394 (Apple can do it this way, I don't know about PC. Is there anyone can tell me how to make a PC computer as a firewire HD?).
If you are sure that don't want to use DV, then don't bother. You can use USB 2.0. However, I would strongly suggest that you should definitely get it.
This reminds me that there's something strange about the Compaq 2800 notebook. It doesn't have any firewire/1394. All the DV owners or users would definintely say no to Compaq 2800. What a stupid design.
