First, we loved our Macs. Now, we love all the things we can do with it, buy for it, and hook it up to, but don’t we hate computer clutter! While on the road solving computer problems, Macally helps out a lot, with products like retractable cables. High quality cables provide good connections and eliminate connector damage. In addition to their USB retractable kit, Macally offers a retractable FireWire cable. This cable offers the same high-impact white plastic case as the USB combo kit, and a 5-foot long flat cable that retracts easily at the click of a button.

Hooking Up

At each end of the cable is the standard 6-pin to 6-pin FireWire connector. Also included is a 4-pin to 6-pin connector for digital camcorders and other devices. This is fine as far as it goes, but the addition of a FireWire extension connector would be most useful. Many times when starting up a computer or xServe in target disk mode, this cable is just a bit too short. The addition of a FireWire connector for the iPod (available from Dr. Bott) would facilitate using the iPod as a hard drive.

The FireWire cable retracted more fluidly than the USB cable kit provided by Macally. The cables and connector have functioned well in a variety of environments. This is not the least expensive retractable FireWire cable, but the quality is excellent. A kit like this is a requirement for any portable user, traveler, or computer consultant because you never know just what you might need to hook up to!

Edited by Ilene Hoffman, Reviews Editor

by P.A.M. Borys