external firewire chasis
 

So the subject pretty much explains it. I'd like to use my existing IDE harddrive as a portable device and interface via Firewire and if possible, USB (that is, to be able to use either or as my not all my machines have firewire).

So I'd assume these would work:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...145-745&depa=1

or:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...146-008&depa=1

And of course, like all things it says it only supports windows but im curious, as I have never used firewire before.. how would you mount a firewire storage device, what does it look like (on the system) and what are your expiriences with USB vs Firewire.

I have been told and have read that firewire simply... owns USB.

Firewire owns USB1.1, but USB2.0 is on a par with it.

I have a USB2.0 external enclosure for a 2.5" laptop hard drive (currently populated with a 20g hitachi), it has a controller from Genesys Logic that works well under linux as a usb storage device, I also have one with both USB1.1 and Firewire but when it comes to linux it's no better than a paper weight.

Hrm, im pretty sure you CAN use firewire in linux for mass storage.

Yes, you can. My point was that you need a supported chip, otherwise you have a paper weight.