External HDD-USB or Firewire

Hi, I'm quickly filling up the hdd on my iMac with video editing so I've decided to buy an external HDD. I was under the impression that Firewire was the best way to go, but after reviewing the specs on the Seagate FreeAgent Pro 500, is seems that the transfer rate on USB 2.0 480mbs) is faster than firewire 400 (400mbs). A firewire drive is more expensive that just a USB drive, and I don't mind spending the additional money if it's required, but now I'm confused. Should I buy a firewire drive, or can I get a faster transfer rate, and save money by going with a USB only drive? I have an early Intel iMac, so I don't have firewire 800 or eSATA ports on it.
Thanks for your interest...

I did some practical testing, transferring a 1GB file from the iMac to a Lacie d2 triple.
USB 2.0 - 147 Mbps
FW 400 - 294 Mbps
FW 800 - 426 M bps
Speeds transferring the same 1GB file from the Lacie to the iMac averaged about 30% faster.

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