Hi Eric
Like Paul, FWIW, this is what I use with my 350D and it has worked successfully without a hitch for the last 12 months.
DSUSB and DSCBL-01 and 03 from Shoestring Astronomy and a long USB cable from Hap Giffin, nothing else.
Focus and Automation using DSLRFocus and for processing, ImagesPlus 2.75.
ImagesPlus 2.80 is now the current release and it has similar focussing and automation to DSLRFocus. I don't use the Canon Timer as there is no need for it when everything is attached to my Laptop, DSLRFocus does the timing and sequencing for long exposures. I use the native Canon software to look at my shots whilst they are on the Laptop.
I also have several spare batteries but no longer use that system, because I image under a dome, I have the Canon AC Adapter so power useage is no longer a problem.
I download direct to my Laptop as it is more conveniant for me to have individual directories for Lights, Flats, Darks and Bias shots, never had any dramas doing it this way.
Oh, and BTW, if you haven't done it yet, check Menu 3 and change the Communication over to PC otherwise it will not talk to your Laptop or PC.
Cheers
JohnG
EDIT: Forgot to mention, your downloads will be almost instantaneous if your Laptop is USB 2.0