Regarding the hibernation, I had two notebooks.   A Toshiba Tecra, and a Dell Lattitude.   None of them would wake up correctly, especially the Tecra which was running Windows 98SE.  The Dell actually did work for a while, but after installing some of the security updates and service packs, it stopped, and never worked again.   Calling Dell was a waste of time, and said it was a Microsoft issue.  Getting help at the M$oft support site?   How many months do I have to look up this problem on their site?   After trying for two weeks at night trying to fix a simple function, I just gave up.  I'll start it up normally.   The battery life in these machines, even with the right settings, were not it's strong points anyway.

I don't have any problems with PC hardware, as it allows you "customize your situation " very well.   I really like some of the offerings out there. After all, I did keep my crash and burn PC.  I've even managed to network my iMac with the PC and they are working well.   As far as the speed thing goes, clock to clock, I couldn't care less how fast a page comes up or launches an application, as long as the platform is stable.  True..it's not blazing!  A half a second to second slower isn't going to kill me.

And the love fest continues because the iMac so far has been a very stable machine.  It does everything I ask it without giving me grief.  I just purchased a Cannon Digital Camera.   It came with a cd driver disk for windows.   Yep, I put it on the PC, and it took me about 30 minutes to finally import, and save to disk using their not so friendly software.   I plugged in the USB cable to the Mac, turned the camera on, it automatically opened iPhoto, and my same pictures that were still stored on the camera were on my hard drive within two minutes.  No drivers to install.  Can we say that about Windows machines?

I dissagree with your opinion of the video card performance, as the iMac seems to outperform anything I've seen on a PC.   Windows Media Player for Mac, Realplayer, and Quicktime all run better and smoother on this platform.   And there is a direct digital output to the monitor from the video card.  Not analog.  

I've had this iMac now for almost a month.  The bottom line so far is this.   If you want to get something done at home, and you don't want to deal with spyware, malware, daily updates or any other vicious stuff your workplace battles every day with an IT department,  then the iMac is for you.   It's just nice to come home, work on something different, get on the internet, check your email, finish that spreadsheet for work,  and have more time to get on the air and use maclogger dx for controlling the rigs, and logging qso's!

Speaking of VPC:

MacBidouille Web site claims to have seen a demo of Virtual PC 7.0.
The software was apparently demoed for French resellers by Apple and Microsoft representatives.

New features include: Better support of Peripherals (especially USB), notably faster than previous version, should support dual processor as well as G5 based systems. The most notable new feature however is native support for graphic cards. This will reportedly allow video operations to be handled natively rather than through emulation.

So it might look like we can use any ham windows programs since performance will be vastly improved.  I guess they are saying it will be available in the fall with Office 2004 professional or by itself.

73's de Ken

I have to agree that the hardware is probably the same quality as in the lower cost Windows machines that sell for around $400 to $450.  You're just not paying the Micro$oft TAX!   Even if Microsoft XP is pre-installed and you decline to accept the EULA, you don't get a refund on the operating system unless you take the entire unit back.   Ever wonder why they never include Microsoft OS installation disk anymore?   Because you can't return for a refund what Microsoft says you need to do in the EULA to get a refund from them.  So this way, you get to load what you want for an OS, not pay the "TAX", and if you want to load Windows, then you pay for it!  But this way you have a choice.  That $200 PC should work just fine!

73's de Ken

Thanks for all your replys!  I am actually happy to see that there are hams who use macs.   And I've definately taken some of your suggestions.

So far, I haven't shut down the iMac since I got it.  I merely have been putting it to sleep.   What a joy it is to just click the mouse and I'm up and running!   Can't say that i've heard of many windows machines that can do that.  Especially notebooks!   The learning curve has been easier than I thought.   What still throws me off is the window shade buttons.  I still find myself going to the upper right when it's on the upper left of the active window on the screen.   I bought a new printer, didn't even have to load a driver for it.   Today, I bought a two button mouse.  Didn't have to load a driver for that either.  They gave me a software driver disk for both devices.  didn't even need them.  Everything I've tried so far on the Mac has been a breeze to install and run.

Today, the web site for Virex (McAufee) said that there was a virus listed for Mac OS X.  It think is was call MS2004 trojan.   Threat level was low.  They weren't too concerned about the threat assesment.  deletes all files in the home users folder, including the virus itself.  Oh well, nice while it lasted!  More is sure to come I'm sure.

I've found that this mac has been extremely quiet as far as rfi is concerned.   I haven't been able to really find any so far, but the cable modem is sure making up for what the mac is not producing.   It's an RCA cable modem, and I'm sure it's radiating from the power cord.   when I disconnected the CAT5 jack, it did not go away.  I also disconnected the cable line.  Still didn't go away!  Pulled the plug on the thing, and all went quiet.   I know what to do now.

So far MacLogger DX has been great and stable.  It even voice announces the spots on the DX cluster.  It get annoying when your on a node that is very active!   I've located a contest program for the mac, but haven't had the time to poke around.   Echomac for Echolink isn't a flashy as its windows counterpart, but it very simple, and works great!

The more I play with this iMac, the more I hate using windows.  The PC is still in the shack and still near the desk where the radio equipment is.  I'll still use it to keep up with the constant updates and patches for XP Professional, and to try out new software for ham radio.   But if you ask me, anyone that tries out a mac for a few days will certainly enjoy it!  How about this?  The computer now works for me!

73's de Ken

I forgot to mention that the Beetle has a sunroof!  So drilling a 3/4 inch hole in the middle of the roof is not an option.  Thanks for the post and your comments on the 1800DX!

Hello to All,

I am considering installing an HF radio and antenna on a 4 year old VW New Beetle.  So I'm looking for some opinions on how to do this correctly.   The round shape of the vehicle makes it an interesting challenge to mount an HF antenna and 2/70cm antenna.  

So far, I've been thinking about attaching an antenna mount where the tie down towing bar is, which is under the bumber on the right rear side.  A sturdy stainless steel plate extending enough to clear the bumber and clamped into place on the tow bar should work.  I have collected 3 different hamsticks and an outbacker (leaning towards using the outbacker).  I'm also thinking about purchasing a High Seierra HS-1800.  

I'm looking at the Kenwood TS-480 or a Icom 706 MIIG.  I'm leaning towards the 706 because it has VHF/UHF and the front panel separates.  I would like to put the base in the trunk.  Also what kind of mount could I get to accomodate 2/70?

So I'd appreciate any suggestions on this setup, or problems I might run into with my current approach.  My favorite bands are 75, 40, 20, 17, and 2/70 for locals.

Looking forward to some feedback.  73's de Ken

Thanks for all of your replys.   I actually went out and bought an  iMac this weekend.   So far, I'm glad I did.  I also purchased MacLogger DX and I just love this program.  I can't wait to build the cables and converter so I can run the IC-746pro interface with this software.  So far, no complaints.  I'll update this as time goes by.

As far as virus is concerned, we would all be ignorant if we don't take virus seriously, regardless of the platform we decide to use.   I found that Apple indeed has a virus program called Virex as part of it's .Mac service, and it's updated regularly.  Even if Mac OS X doesn't execute a windows virus on the mac, you CAN still pass it on in email, or word attachments or whatever it arives on to other less suspecting users.  

73's de Ken

I've had 5 friends (2 are hams) who recently switched from using a PC and have gone to Macs running OS X.  All of them are now swearing that after using Macs for the past few months, they now shudder the thought of using Windows PC's.   The two hams are using their Macs and have found software for logging, echolink software for the mac, satellite tracking software as well as rotor and rig control software.   None of them has spent a fortune in software for the Mac.  However none of them are contesters, which is something I would like to try.

I am going to swtch and give the Mac's a try.  I researched the prices and they seem very competitive with Dell's current offerings.  The reviews on epinion.com for the iMac is rated very high.  But before I do,   I want to know a few things first.  How much external noise pollution will be introduced into the HF bands from these computers?   Has anyone had this problem with Mac's?  Has anyone found contest software for Mac OS X?  Any ham who owns a Mac, do you feel the same way as my friends do?  

Seems like in windows xp, when you get an update, you get a bug fix or a security fix.  My friends tell me when they get an update from Apple, it's mostly software ehancements.  Is this true?  And Mac's haven't been threatened by virus (yet)?

Ok fellow hams.   Should I pluck down my hard earned money on a iMac, or should a stay with my current crash and burn PC that's less than 6 months old?   I'll be especially interested in opinions from users who are familiar with both platforms.  73's!