I have to scan a lot of documents and the USB 2.0 interface between the scanner and the laptop cannot handle it. However, the Toshiba i7 I use has a 4-pin IEEE 1394 ("FireWire") connector, as does the scanner. This cable connects the two, and now the scanned document appears immediately after the scan is complete, instead of waiting multiple times for it to transfer via USB. Good. You can also use this to connect an old MiniDV camcorder if you still have tapes that you need to read, as long as your devices have the appropriate connectors.