>All of which indicates that I would see similar results on my system unless there is some kind of
>bug or problem that only affects you. In effect, you are seeing  >1000% penalty for the use of firewire.
>Which is pretty horrific.
>
>I've also been looking around for a suitable expresscard firewire adapter and I've come across some suggestions
>that I won't get a firewire audio device working properly on this laptop (Inspiron 9400) regardless of what adapter
>I buy.  o_O
>
>pete.

I guess that appears to be the case - unless someone more expert has any better opinions.

Simon