Can I use a G4 to get raw video footage to a no-firewire aluminum MacBook?

Hi -
I recently purchased a new aluminum MacBook 2.4Ghz and was shocked to discover the lack of a firewire port. Ok, I should have read the specs more closely before ordering, but I never would have imagined this port being removed (other than from the specialized MacBook Air). As others on this board have said, what were they thinking?!
So I have some questions about downloading raw video footage from a firewire camcorder (forgive any ignorance on my part, I'm new to camcorders and digital movie editing--I've never used iMovie). My goal is basically editing home movies.
I have an old G4 tower (1.5Ghz, 1GB RAM). I also have an external firewire/USB drive. The tower will not run iMovie '08 because the processor is too slow. The iLife 08 disc refuses to even load iMovie on this machine.
I haven't purchased a camcorder yet. I spent a lot of time researching affordable camcorders and had settled on a well-reviewed Canon miniDV, which of course, is firewire. This camera does not come with any software.
Would it work to connect the camera to my G4 via firewire, download the raw footage to my external drive connected to the G4, then move the external drive over to the MacBook, connect it to the MacBook via USB, then import the raw footage to iMovie for editing? I realize the copying over USB would be very slow. I assume I need some type of software for downloading the raw footage to the G4. Since iMovie won't run and the camera has no software, is there some type of utility or shareware that lets you capture raw footage?
Is there a better way I can use my G4 to get raw footage from a firewire camera, and then on to my MacBook? Or will this work at all?
I see that there are a few USB camcorders out there, but they seem to be expensive or don't receive very good reviews, so I'd like to go with the firewire Canon.
Thanks very much for the help with this frustrating issue

Well, never mind. I'm returning the MacBook and buying a previous generation MacBook Pro, which ends up being about $200 more.
Solves my problem, but many folks can't afford the Pro. I'll be commenting at Apple customer feedback about the lack of firewire on the new MacBook.
Thanks for reading the post.

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Message was edited by: EZ Jim

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