From: Milton Aupperle <milton@outcastsoft.com>

Date: January 22, 2006 11:40:05 AM MST

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: [Astro_IIDC] last questions before I order

Hi Jon;

On 22-Jan-06, at 6:54 AM, ji425bp wrote:

Hi Folks:

Just a couple of last questions before I switch over to a Mac system for

imaging: 1) With the 21AF04 camera Milton suggested, will the

firewire port of the Mac mini provide enough power or will it need a

separate hub

I can guarantee that it will work with the Mac Mini without a hub. The only issue might be if you were running multiple cameras (which your not) and as I found out this week, the Mac Mini has sufficient power to run two 1392x1040 Scorpion cameras at the same time and the bigger the CCD the more power it draws.

and 2)since I'm using the mini as a laptop system, I'm

still going to need a lightweight LCD monitor for field use- suggestions?

I was going to suggest possibly trying a cheap TV (Walmart sells a $148 3.5" LCD TV), but after reading the reviews on the DVI to SVHS/RCA accessory

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?productLearnMore=M9267G/A

, it doesn't look like it produce very good video.

The cheapest Computer LCD's I've found to date are 15 to 17" (1024x768 or 1280x1024) for around $225 to $260 CDN.

As Alan and Tim suggested, you might want to look at maybe an iBook or PowerBook, as once you factor in the cost of the mini with LCD and fun of lugging them around and reliance on AC power.

Thanks again. I hope to have a system setup within the next month or so.

One other thing to look at is Apple sells refurbished products too, which are price reduced.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/70502/wo/MW39r5eVYwI53w6yx0zL6e2uAu4/0.SLID?nclm=SpecialDeals&mco=E60A57E5

They list 12" or 15" 1.5 gighz PowerBooks for $1099 USD (regular $1499) and $1399.00 (regular $1699.00) respectively and come with a 1 year warranty. They didn't have any iBooks listed though.

Hope That Helps..

Milton J. Aupperle

President

ASC - Aupperle Services and Contracting

Mac Software (Drivers, Components and Application) Specialist

#1005 - 815 14th Avenue. S.W.

Calgary Alberta Canada T2R0N5

1-(403)-229-9456

milton@outcastsoft.com