My advise: if you run Windows 2000 - stick with the simpler 4300 Firewire card (this card). It is simple and easy to install. No drivers, and the extra software is only needed for cameras/DVDs (I use my card for my new scanner). I have had troublefree service from it so far.

The Adaptec DuoConnect 3121, on the other hand, looks very tempting on paper - but trying to install it on Windows 2000 is an absolute nightmare (if you already have other adapter cards). I had severe hardware conflicts - which caused operating system driver corruptions in the end - and lots of wasted hours.

This is where Adaptec support came in. They gave me really good support, and refunded my money when we couldn't get the DuoConnect 3121 working under Windows 2000. And I bought their AFW-4300 instead.

In summary: The 4300 is a good card. Adapter cards from other companies are cheaper than Adaptec brand down here, but the Adaptec support is worth the extra money.


Easy, Quick Installation, Video Software is OK   March 15, 2002
 18 out of 18 found this review helpful

Installation was a snap. Installed the card, fired up my Windows 2000 machine, and there it was. No drivers to install, Windows took care of it. No drivers to install for my video camera (Sharp Digital Viewcam). Once I plugged in my camera, Windows 2000 loaded the default Microsoft DV driver, and that worked great. MGI VideoWave 4 SE software that comes with product could be a little better; (more effects, more video formats, etc) but overall, very good product. Total time to install product/software: 10 minutes. I run a Pentium II 350, with 196 MB RAM. It took about 45 minutes for the software to convert a 9 minute AVI file to MPEG. I recommend having as much memory and processor speed as you can have.


Works great under XP   February 26, 2003
 17 out of 18 found this review helpful

Installed the Adaptec AFW-4300 card into a XP machine. XP recognized the card and installed the default drivers. Plugged in a Sharp Vl-NZ50 camcorder, started up the video editing software and in came the movies. No problems, no hassles. I'm not overly impressed with the MGI VideoWave 4 software, but I'm very happy with the hardware. I'm sure when I find the ideal video editing package, the hardware will still work fine.


Does what it's supposed to   July 17, 2003
 12 out of 13 found this review helpful

Bought this so i could attach an iPod to my Dell PC. Worked like a charm. Have Windows XP so i never even had to use the enclosed driver CD, XP recognized it with no problem. So I give it 5 stars, does exactly what it's supposed to without any problems.

BTW, if you've never installed a card into your computer, I hadn't either. I was a little nervous but it's the easiest thing to do. Finished in 5 minutes.


works great   May 28, 2003
 10 out of 12 found this review helpful

I bought this for my PC so I could use my new iPod--which is also awesome. This card installs quick and easy on XP and there are no drivers to install. Buy it and you won't get disappointed.