1DII firewire and USB interchangeable? 1DII still better than 50D and 7D for sports?

I searched for this and asked some camera stores but no one seems to know. Before I try Canon I thought I'd ask: can the 1DII do everthing with USB as it can with Firewire or can you only use EOSUtility to change settings with one of them? I ask as I am looking at buying one used for sports (unless I convince myself a 50D or 7D would be better) but it only comes with the USB cable, not the Firewire cable.

Is the Firewire cable for the 1DII proprietary or standard? Still available from Canon? I couldn't see it on the website.

Finally, the only computer I have which supports Firewire is an old laptop running Windows 98 (yes, 98 !). Any idea if that would install and run the drivers for a 1DII?

Or should I just stop thinking about this 4-5year old camera and get a 50D (same price new) or 7D instead? I'm really happy with my T1i for everything but sports where the fps and AF is not quite up to the task no matter how many times I try to convince myself that it is. I've searched the forums for the old 1DII vs. 50D and now vs. 7D threads and many of them still say the 1DII's AF is better. I'd love a 1DIII but unless the bottom drops out of the prices when the 1DIV arrives I won't be able to afford it for a while.

I'm looking at my 1D2 and it has a standard mini USB connection.

I also have a 5D, but I've kept my 1D2 specifically to use for sports. Love the AF and the fps. Love the battery life. Love the way it feels in my hands. IQ is good, though newer cameras will give you better high-ISO. That hasn't really been a problem for me, however.

Would I buy one over the 50D or 7D? If I was specifically using it for sports, yes. For an all-round camera, I have to admit to lusting for a 7D, but I wouldn't get all the action pics I now get.

Thanks. In this case the 7D would likely be a replacement of my T1i while the 1DII would be in addition to it.

On the 1DMkII and 1DsMkII the usb is for downloading and printing, the Firewire is for controlling the camera and setting the personal functions.
Win98 is supported, so is ME and XP.
The cable is Canon IFC-200D4.

Thanks a lot for the product number. I can't find it on either Canon Canada or USA aside from a service notice (a silly thing about the packaging). I guess I'll have to call them to see if it can still be ordered or check eBay or something. Thanks.