Mac compatible dive computers

[peter]

I'm sure everyone is bored of discussing dive computers as there are a few threads already going, but this is a little more specific.

I would like to buy a dive computer that I can download on to my Mac. Everyone seems to recommend Suunto, but they don't provide Mac compatible software :( ( I promise I won't go off on one about being treated as second class computer users), and when I emailed them to ask if anything was impending on the software front, they didn't even reply :mad: I have found that someone has written some software for Macs giving you this facility ( http://divelog.actwin.com), but am loathe to pay for something that should be provided free (though will if it is any good).

Uwatec do however provide software, and so I was thinking about getting an Aladin Tec, although this does work out more than the Suunto Vyper and software

Can anyone who downloads on to a Mac give some advice on what they do/use (software wise and dive computer)

Thanks

Peter

[Tony Dwyer]

I'm sure everyone is bored of discussing dive computers as there are a few threads already going, but this is a little more specific.

I would like to buy a dive computer that I can download on to my Mac. Everyone seems to recommend Suunto, but they don't provide Mac compatible software :( ( I promise I won't go off on one about being treated as second class computer users), and when I emailed them to ask if anything was impending on the software front, they didn't even reply :mad: I have found that someone has written some software for Macs giving you this facility ( http://divelog.actwin.com), but am loathe to pay for something that should be provided free (though will if it is any good).

Uwatec do however provide software, and so I was thinking about getting an Aladin Tec, although this does work out more than the Suunto Vyper and software

Can anyone who downloads on to a Mac give some advice on what they do/use (software wise and dive computer)

Thanks

Peter

Err! Depending on which MAC you have, you could run a Windows Emulator. Then you could probably run the Suunto software. :)

[GeoffB]

H, Running a pc emulator is an idea, but an expensive one...plus the emulators only emulate a very old pc even when running on a G5, I use an emulator when I beta test software that I design, apart from that they a pretty useless...I cheap tower system will not cost the earth, have a look at dabs.com...and if like me you have a monitor with dual inputs just switch between them...

Ps I cant stand pc's...but at times you do need one...but keep away from the emulators if possible unless you can get one second hand, and be warned they are slow...ie the emulate a pentium II processor...now that is slow.

What a shame I got 8 pc's in my little render farm...lol...talk about calling the kettle!!!!

Be happy to discuss any further needs you have...and I might just have alook too see what software is out there..

Geoff

[AndyWilkes]

Hi there,

I use a Suunto and PC emulation software. Its slow and tempermental I would love to be able to download straight to my Mac.

There are a few people requesting the same thing on Suuntos website forum as well.

Cheers
Andy

[Ben Panter]

Not an ideal solution by any means, but if you have a new intel mac you can put a windows partition on... google for "apple boot camp".

Ben

[GeoffB]

There is software out there for the mac, but you will have to run it under gnome, I must say though I'd love to get my hands on the new intel macs and put it through a real benchtest using real software...ie: lightwave..this software is still so buggy on my dual G5, so using a pc running NT because I love the old interface. Have a look around for gnome, the software u need for the suunto is called gdivelog, its availbale on quite a few sites. I'm new to diving, not even started training yet...so I cant give any feedback on how good or bad the software is..Good luck anyway...let me know how you get on. I still think a cheap tower from dabs is the best option.

Geoff

[Paul Morris]

H, Running a pc emulator is an idea, but an expensive one...plus the emulators only emulate a very old pc even when running on a G5, I use an emulator when I beta test software that I design, apart from that they a pretty useless...I cheap tower system will not cost the earth, have a look at dabs.com...and if like me you have a monitor with dual inputs just switch between them....
Not true. Virtual PC runs XP ok for me. I have a G4 powerbook, and its OK. Takes a little while to "boot" with some HD thrashing, but its ok when its up. I found performance got a LOT better when I went to 1GB RAM (and let VirtualPC take 512MB.

I don't like it, but......

[AndyWilkes]

It probable is but I have a serious lack of room without another tower & moniter as well.

Cheers
Andy

[GeoffB]

Andy, I have the same problem with space to a degree...but you can use a monitor switch if your monitor doesnt have dual inputs, also check out reviews of the virtual pc as it only emulates a pentium running at 500mhz, which is mega slow by todays standards. I use it on my dual G5 2.5 and have 4 operating systems installed, all run ok, but slow...best see it up and running before you commit yourself, some peeps on here are giving misleading info...lol, nothing new there...so my top tip is:-

a. get a cheap second hand pc, desktop model will do as long as its faster than 500mhz it will be faster than the virtual pc

b. check out the reviews

c. see it in action, it could be just the job for you

But for serious PC work I have to use a real PC when I'm not using my G5 or G4 macs...good luck

[MattS]

...also check out reviews of the virtual pc as it only emulates a pentium running at 500mhz, which is mega slow by todays standards. I use it on my dual G5 2.5 and have 4 operating systems installed, all run ok, but slow...best see it up and running before you commit yourself, some peeps on here are giving misleading info.Dive computer log software is not exactly CPU or disk intensive though. You can get quite acceptable performance out of VPC running Win98 for low bandwidth applications. In fact I use both VPC and VMWare in production enviroments. What I would check out is the hardware support. Comms applicaitons can cause problems. Even when VPC can see the Mac's port it doesn't always want to talk.

If it's strictly for diving software you might want to consider a cheap laptop off e-bay. Saves space at home and can be used on the boat if required.

[GeoffB]

I'd agree with MattS, a cheap laptop will be ideal, just make sure the one you get has plenty of spares available especially if you buy off ebay, new ones dont cost the earth these days...just make sure its a well known make and not a badged one. The problem I've had fixing other peoples laptops!! nightmare...good luck anyway...and let me know what you decide...I start my training on thursday..yipeee...well 3 trial dives is enough for anyone..lol

Geoff

[Geordie_cy]

You can run Wine on a Mac (A free Windows API)

http://darwine.opendarwin.org/