From: Ray Byrne <ray@in4media.co.uk>

Date: November 16, 2006 5:03:10 PM MST

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: [Astro_IIDC] Re: new firewire Italian camera

On 16 Nov 2006, at 19:57, Milton Aupperle wrote:

In fact, Astro IIDC should never have been built - it simply makes no sense economically to do it or even continue with it as there simply are not enough Mac users to buy software. Other than video or audio and maybe some PhotoShop usage, there are no other perceived uses for a Mac. And With BootCamp and MacIntel, basically Mac specialty software is going to "poof" and disappear off the market as people just switch over to Windows software.

Milton,

I'd have to seriously disagree with you here, especially the "no other perceived uses for a Mac." bit. Without the Mac there would be no print industry period. Try getting a colour brochure printed from a document made in Adobe InDesign or QuarkXpress on a PC, the printer will accept it but will open it on a Mac to get it to print, ask Alan F he knows the score I'm sure.  I know it must be hard for you developing an application for such a niche market and I've imagined it was pretty much a labour of love rather than a bread and butter business. To be honest I'd have paid more for your software and I'm delighted you've created it. I've just invested a load of cash in a new Mac, New camera and various other bits just to use AstroIIDC. My friend Mick hates Macs (he's an IT manager for a large company and is very Windows-centric) but he was obviously envious when I showed him your app. last weekend, I think it could make him switch even only for Planetary imaging. I've heard a story that the mission control guys at NASA or JPL were going to do a walk-out when it was proposed they went over to Windows.

Steve Jobs is a canny guy and he's got a score to settle with Bill Gates you mark my words the Mac has a big future.

Keep your chin up

My best regards

Ray Byrne