DCR-TRV25 minidv firewire transfer to new HP Laptop USB port

Trying to understand and verify what I have been told. I can transfer video from this older model camera to a Dell desktop running Windows XP via a USB cable supplied with the camera.

Now have brand new HP Pavillion with USB also, but cannot transfer video. Per Sony, with Windows 7, I must use a Firewire cable/connection. Camera does have iLink connector (Sony's firewire). But, HP says no way to add a firewire port to the laptop.

1) Is there a firewire to USB cable that will work, or must some sort of external converter box be used?

2)I'm told firewire is faster and better quality. Will the degredation in speed and quality make the converter not worth it?

My ultimate goal is to video outdoor training scenarios, transfer it to the laptop in the field, so folks can watch it on a larger screen as a group to critique.

3) My transfer time with minidv tapes is same time it took to record. Would newer model camera using a different storage media make this process a lot faster?

I've read that minidv tape quality is the best of all video camera formats, thus my reluctance to abandon this older camera. For this specific purpose, I think speed takes priority over quality.

4) If I go to a new camera, which storage media would work the best for my purpose?

Reply 1 : DCR-TRV25 minidv firewire transfer to new HP Laptop USB port

NO! No reason to repeat this answer but if ANYONE dares to write yes, buy it from them after they show it working.

As to your other questions, almost all the new camcorders have USB transfer so with over a few thousand camcorders to pick from can we sum it up to "Yes" and "be sure your video editor can use the files."

As to your quality issue, I would challenge that with any of the new 1080p HD camcorders.
Bob