I have an HP Pavilion dv5t laptop computer.  I want to capture and edit video but the laptop doesn't have a firewire/ IEEE1394 port.
Not sure what my best option/most realiable solution is.

1. install a firewire express card into the 54mm slot
(I've read reviews that my SonyDCR-HC21 camcorder is problematic with a plethora of express cards for some reason)

2. replace the existing graphics card/driver (Intel Grapics Media Accelerator 4500MHD)

3.  Buy a BRAND new laptop with an IEEE1394 port.  

Any advice and recommendations on cards (firewire, graphics) that work well are greatly appreciated.


My laptop is about a year old and is decent so I don't really NEED a new one but that hasn't kept me from looking and rationalizing a new one...

In case it matters:
HP Pavilion dv5t Latop with 4gig RAM, running MS Vista, Pentium Dual-Core Mobile Processor (2.0GHz)...

Thanks for the advice!!!
You can't replace the graphics card in a laptop, so your limited to options 1 or 3.If you don't mind spending the money I would SUGGEST you buy a desktop and use it for your video editing. This will ALLOW you to get a better system for your money compared to a laptop and it is upgradable later. 1.  Which model do you have:
     a.  HP Pavilion dv5-1000
     b.  HP Pavilion dv5-1100
     c.  HP Pavilion dv5-1200

The "Maintenance and Service Guide" lists a 1394 port (on select models only) on the left side from the front between the digital media slot and the USB port.

Just a sanity check.  Why would they produce an Entertainment PC (laptop) without a firewire port?Its a Pavailon dv5t-1000.

It does not have firewire.  I was shocked.  Its a custom build (from hp.com) and the specs on the dv5t included IEEE 1394 so I just ASSUMED all models have it.  They don't.  Apparently if you didn't upgrade the graphics card, you don't get the firewire port. 

You can actually see where it would be on the case but its not punched out/no card.
Ugh!

That's why I was thinking of an expansion express card or upgrading the graphics card (I was told that the graphics card isn't integrated into the motherboard so it could be swapped.  If it turns out to be intergrated as many HP laptops are, I that option isn't possible).

I really can't do a desktop (good suggestion though) because of space/mobility issues which is why I was thinking new laptop.

Any one else have experiences with firewire express cards? 

Thanks for all your help.