I want to mount this drive in an external 2.0 USB enclosure but I have a couple of questions:

1) Can I upgrade the firmware to 047 over USB 2.0 interface on windows XP Pro?

2) Is USB 2.0 fast enough to support DVD burning upto 4X?

I am hoping I don't have to remove the drive from USB enclosure and attach to IDE cable every time I need to update the firmware - seems like ths will be a regular occurence with this drive.

Currently I am using 043 and have success burning DVD videos on DVD-R for my older DVD players.

I have following DVD players:
Sampo 631CF
Daewoo 5700
Apec PD-10 (portable)

They all play DVD-R and the Apex also plays DVD+RW and DVD-RW, haven't tried DVD+R, waiting for bitset feature in the BTC firmware as I am sure the Sampo and Daewoo won't work on DVD+R.

The media I have used:
DVD+RW that came with drive (Micro-Advantage package)
Fuji DVD-R 2X
Imation DVD-R 2X

Note that I wasted a few DVD-R's using Nero 6.0.0.19, but then have been having 100% success (< 10 discs total) after switch back to the latest 5.5 version. I concur with consensus that Nero 6 is buggy.

About your two questions:
1. No, it can't.
2. No, it will use only about 2X~2.4X to burn disks.

Nero 6.3.0.0. now are available on Nero official website.

1. If it can't, why do manufacturers of some USB drives (e.g. Plextor) provide firmware updates for these USB drives? If it can't please explain what it is about the USB connection that makes it unable to update the firmware.

2. If it can't, please explain. Is this a limitation with this drive, or a limitation of USB2.0? I am also looking at the LG All-format drive, and this will write some formats at 4x, according to reviews.

Thanks.

not only I can not update firmware 043 via usb 2.0, K's probe also locks, my test results also look like the burn quality is better as internal IDE than USB 2.0