High-speed interface upgrade options fall into two groups of PCI-based cards, single connection type and combination. Most USB 2.0 and FireWire cards have an internal port.

Adaptec and SIIG offer USB 2.0/FireWire combo cards that would be perfect for adding both connection types to an existing system. SIIG's USB 2.0+1394 DV Kit and Adaptec's DuoConnect both retail for $100 and require a floppy-style power connection in order to insure proper power supply to the ample number of ports each offers. In addition, each includes a 6-pin to 4-pin (6-4) FireWire cable and video editing software for easing users into the world of non-linear/non-destructive video production.

FireWire-only cards come from several manufacturers, with the main difference being the inclusion of a 6-4 cable and entry-level video editing software. The SIIG 1394 3-port PCI sells for $60 and includes only the card itself. Adaptec's DVpics Plus and Belkin's IEEE 1394 FireWire PCI card are two $80 FireWire card options that include a 6-4 cable as well as digital video editing software.

Cards that will add USB 2.0 are available from the likes of Adaptec, Belkin, Orange Micro, and SIIG, with others soon to follow. Adaptec's USB2connect 3100 retails for $50 and offers three external ports and one internal port. SIIG's USB 2.0 5-Port PCI (four external ports/one internal port) sells for $40.

We tested all of these products and found they performed as advertised without any problems. Given that FireWire drivers are integrated into Windows 98SE and later and USB 2.0 drivers are available through Windows Update, adding any of these products to an existing system should be relatively painless.