I use a Dell Latitude D600 (lots of portable work) and I was thinking of buying a V1/FX7 (a HUGE step up for me). however, this laptop doesnt have firewire ports so I resort to using a webcam-style USB connection as a temporary solution with my little TRV33 Handycam (told you it was a huge step up). I was wondering if the USB interface is capable of outputting HD footage to my computer, or will it be only YouTube-quality SD video?

Colin, on the FX7/V1, the USB port will only allow to read stills or camera profile files from the memory card; no video!

I use a Dell Latitude D600 (lots of portable work) and I was thinking of buying a V1/FX7 (a HUGE step up for me). however, this laptop doesnt have firewire ports so I resort to using a webcam-style USB connection as a temporary solution with my little TRV33 Handycam (told you it was a huge step up). I was wondering if the USB interface is capable of outputting HD footage to my computer, or will it be only YouTube-quality SD video?

Take a look at this review. Several add-on FireWire cards for notebooks are given here. I would consider something like this.

http://compreviews.about.com/od/buyers/tp/aatp1394pccards.htm

If you can't get firewire, I suggest a AVCHD camera. If you can get firewire, I suggest a Z1C cause it'll shoot in both 50i and 60i.