Mac compatability?

[Anthony1]

does the zodiac work with mac out of the box or do you have to buy a seperate program to make it work?

[ballistic]

Not out of the box, see this (http://support.tapwave.com/cgi-bin/tapwave.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=115&p_created=1063761060&p_sid=mcUzRbEh&p_lva=256&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NSZwX3NlYXJjaF90eXBlPXNlYXJjaF9ubCZwX3Byb2RfbHZsMT0mcF9wcm9kX2x2bDI9JnBfcGFnZT0xJnBfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9bWFj&p_li=).

The Missing Sync (http://www.markspace.com/missingsync_palmos.php) actually has a lot of great features that aren't standard out of the box on the PC and would require 3rd party applications.

You might also want to check out Salling Clicker (http://homepage.mac.com/jonassalling/Shareware/Clicker/).

When (not if) I get a Mac Mini running Tiger, I'll be getting these two programs for use with my Zodiac.

Hope this helps..

Brian

[Anthony1]

Thanks. Can the Zodiac send files between itself and a computer using bluetooth? $40 is a lot of money for me and I am considering buying a Zodiac, and if I have no money left over after buying it it might be a while before I can get Missing Sync. Also, is there any reason i should or should not sell my Zire 72 and get a Zodiac? I know I will get a new pda soon but I'm not sure wether i should get a Zodiac, or wait for the TX, or buy an old sony model. or something entirely different.

[ballistic]

Can the Zodiac send files between itself and a computer using bluetooth?

On the PC, you can use an application called Softick Bluefiles (http://www.markspace.com/missingsync_palmos_features.html), but the file transfer speeds are much slower than over the USB connection to the desktop. Missing Sync allows you mount your SD card on your desktop for file transfer using your Hotsync cable (CardExport does the same thing on the PC).

Also, is there any reason i should or should not sell my Zire 72 and get a Zodiac? I know I will get a new pda soon but I'm not sure wether i should get a Zodiac, or wait for the TX, or buy an old sony model. or something entirely different.

That's a very personal and subjective question depending on your handheld computing needs, personal tastes, and budget. Personally, if I need to upgrade to add features, capabilities, and compatibility with my favorite applications and the I like the device and it fits within my upgrade budget, then I feel comfortable making the purchase without anyone else's input ;).

In my opinion, the Zodiac has a lot of value when doing a price/feature/capability/expandibility comparison with the other devices that you mentioned.

Hope this helps..

Brian

[Anthony1]

What i mean (with the bluetooth question)is, with my Zire 72, after I connected with my Mac using bluetooth, and got both devices to know eachother exists, I could drag files to a program called bluetooth file exchange, click on my PDA, and the files would be sent to the 72. Also, I could click send on the 72, click on my computer, and send files to my Mac. Could you do these things without extra software with the Zodiac like you can with the 72?

[chiselteeth]

Hi,

I have a zodiac, and I'm also an iBook user. I do agree that when you can afford it, it's well worth investing in the Missing Sync software. It works so much better than the bundled hotsync software.

In the meantime though, I had absolutely no problems bluetoothing files from my iBook to the Zodiac. Worked a treat !

The only problem is getting stuff onto a memory card. The Zodiac wouldn't accept files directly onto the card. If you have larger files, like movies, and want to put them on the card, you can pick up a card reader for VERY little money these days, this allows you to copy straight from your mac to the card.

If you like, you can also use this as a temporary method of transferring files to the Zodiac:- Copy them to the card using a card reader, then copy them from the card to the zodiac.

Hope this helps.