I just checked Adorama and Calumet and they have a variety of FireWire card readers. The bad news is that while I recently picked up a very nice USB2.0 reader for $16, these with FireWire run from $60 to $160. As per going directly from camera to computer, there may be USB->FireWire converters. Check with a store that sells to computer builders. This may or may not work, since USB and FireWire are different protocols which might make communication between camera and computer difficult or impossible. FireWire is pretty much standard with digital video and USB with still cameras.

A USB2.0 card reader would be the most convenient and economical, however if your computer can not be upgraded to accept USB, FireWire readers are certainly available, albeit at premium cost. You would notice very little difference in speed - the card itself is the limiting factor at least for the current generation.

Although some earlier Canon dSLR cameras provided a mini-FireWire receptacle, the XTi and other current consumer models are supported with USB 2.0 connectivity between camera and computer or a supporting printer.