From: Milton Aupperle <milton@outcastsoft.com>

Date: January 31, 2010 3:18:23 PM MST

To: Astro_IIDC@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: [Astro_IIDC] interesting idea..

Hi Mark;

The big question is if the iPad (horrible name) has a real USB 2 port or not. It's pretty well a closed platform as far as hardware specs go. So far what I've read indicates they are using the USB adapter (you have to buy it too) thing you re-charging the batteries and downloading pictures from USB Cameras. I've read a few rumors that indicate it only recognizes a few types of USB 2 devices, so things like high end cameras (SBIG etc.), printers, scanners and other devices likely will not work, as they need drivers.

Information and real world test of It should become clearer in the future as to what it actually can do.

Also the iPad / iPod / iPhoneOS still does not allow multiple applications to run at the same time, which makes it pretty useless for any realtime interaction. And the lack of a real file system (i.e. folder, directories etc.) makes it pretty tough to do anything with.

HTH..

Milton J. Aupperle

President

ASC - Aupperle Services and Contracting

Mac Software (Drivers, Components and Application) Specialist

#1106 - 428 Chaparral Ravine View SE.

Calgary Alberta T2X 0N2

1-(403)-453-1624

milton@outcastsoft.com

www.outcastsoft.com

On 31-Jan-10, at 2:56 PM, Mark Gaffney wrote:

An interesting idea suggested on the Macastronomer group has  us

astronomers using these with "...headless Mac Minis..". I had hoped to

upgrade to an Intel Mac Mini eventually..!

http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/

Mark.