Stephen Locke
EF3
I'd like to invite some discussion regarding the use of a Mac laptop for data in the field. Any comments?
Chase with a Mac?
- Thread starter Stephen Locke
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Alex Goldstein
EF0
I have a MacBook Pro and can run GR2AE perfectly on it using vmware fusion. Interestingly enough however, when I try to run GR3, the radar will show up, unless I turn on smoothing, which makes the radar disappear. I Don't think you really want to chase using GR2AE as the data would be REALLY slow, so if you don't mind not having smoothing when using GR3, there's no problem.
Also, a MBP has dedicated graphics cards, whereas the normal MB's do not, so I would suggest buying a MBP.
Also, a MBP has dedicated graphics cards, whereas the normal MB's do not, so I would suggest buying a MBP.
Jody Radzik
EF2
I've chased 3 years with a 12" G4 Powerbook running Radarlab HD, along with Google Earth, taking care to import the correct radar data sets from NOAA RIDGE. It may not have been quite as nice as a PC running GRL3, but was more than adequate insofar as it would show you the dynamics and your positition and most of the road options you had in the navigation department.
Next season I may try to do it all with my iPhone and RadarScope, provided they improve their app with road data, storm track data and more radar scans, particularly radial velocity.
Next season I may try to do it all with my iPhone and RadarScope, provided they improve their app with road data, storm track data and more radar scans, particularly radial velocity.
Andrew Herron
EF3
You might try running WINE on the mac after you install X11. On my linux machine I've been able to run GRL3 without much issue.
I also use WeatherScope which has a native mac client.
I also use WeatherScope which has a native mac client.
Darren Addy
EF5
Is the question whether you can chase with the Mac (hardware) or chase with OS X? Do you already own a Mac laptop or are you thinking of getting one?
An Intel-based MacBook Pro is probably the most versatile hardware platforms you can get. You can run Parallels or VM Fusion to run Windows on your Mac. Or you can partition your hard drive and install Linux and run WINE.
I don't think there is a lot of debate that the best radar and street atlas software is currently Windows based, and will probably perform the best on a native Windows platform, but an Intel-based MacBook Pro running those apps in one of the above ways will probably perform acceptably in the field. You can probably do it on an Intel-based MacBook, but as noted, the MacBook Pro is a much beefier machine (although more $$$).
An Intel-based MacBook Pro is probably the most versatile hardware platforms you can get. You can run Parallels or VM Fusion to run Windows on your Mac. Or you can partition your hard drive and install Linux and run WINE.
I don't think there is a lot of debate that the best radar and street atlas software is currently Windows based, and will probably perform the best on a native Windows platform, but an Intel-based MacBook Pro running those apps in one of the above ways will probably perform acceptably in the field. You can probably do it on an Intel-based MacBook, but as noted, the MacBook Pro is a much beefier machine (although more $$$).
Stephen Locke
EF3
An Intel-based MacBook Pro is probably the most versatile hardware platforms you can get. You can run Parallels or VM Fusion to run Windows on your Mac. Or you can partition your hard drive and install Linux and run WINE.
I don't think there is a lot of debate that the best radar and street atlas software is currently Windows based, and will probably perform the best on a native Windows platform, but an Intel-based MacBook Pro running those apps in one of the above ways will probably perform acceptably in the field. You can probably do it on an Intel-based MacBook, but as noted, the MacBook Pro is a much beefier machine (although more $$$).[/QUOTE]
I own Macs. It's the hardware and software I am most familiar with. Been chasing with one for a while now without GRLVL 3. When I'm in the field and in the heat of battle I like equipment I am familiar with if troubleshooting becomes necessary. I guess the real question I am asking is will a Mac run GRLVL 3, GPS and mapping in a reliable and efficient way. Sounds like it kinda sorta will.
I don't think there is a lot of debate that the best radar and street atlas software is currently Windows based, and will probably perform the best on a native Windows platform, but an Intel-based MacBook Pro running those apps in one of the above ways will probably perform acceptably in the field. You can probably do it on an Intel-based MacBook, but as noted, the MacBook Pro is a much beefier machine (although more $$$).[/QUOTE]
I own Macs. It's the hardware and software I am most familiar with. Been chasing with one for a while now without GRLVL 3. When I'm in the field and in the heat of battle I like equipment I am familiar with if troubleshooting becomes necessary. I guess the real question I am asking is will a Mac run GRLVL 3, GPS and mapping in a reliable and efficient way. Sounds like it kinda sorta will.
Rob Wadsworth
EF5
I suppose that if money isn't an issue, then a Mac would be OK.
But for those of us who are counting pennies, an AMD/Intel -Windows based laptop w/GR3 is the simpler means to fill the need and save money.
I think that a Mac's real strength is its ability to do process RAW files.
If one wants to do on the road processing - it would do that very well.
But I like using GR3 and my cheap laptop; so I'll let my desktop PC do my RAW processing and save my duckets for another lens.
But for those of us who are counting pennies, an AMD/Intel -Windows based laptop w/GR3 is the simpler means to fill the need and save money.
I think that a Mac's real strength is its ability to do process RAW files.
If one wants to do on the road processing - it would do that very well.
But I like using GR3 and my cheap laptop; so I'll let my desktop PC do my RAW processing and save my duckets for another lens.
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Stephen Locke
EF3
Hey Rob,
Rob, you say "cheap". How Cheap? What would be the recommended Package
hardrive, processor, video card, etc. that you recommend in a WINDOWS machine. Also, do you have a brand recommendation? And is there a way to get one without paying extra for the now "obsolete' XP operating system. Oh, and should the XP be XP pro? And I just thought about necessary ports . . .
Rob, you say "cheap". How Cheap? What would be the recommended Package
hardrive, processor, video card, etc. that you recommend in a WINDOWS machine. Also, do you have a brand recommendation? And is there a way to get one without paying extra for the now "obsolete' XP operating system. Oh, and should the XP be XP pro? And I just thought about necessary ports . . .
Rob Wadsworth
EF5
The best choice in laptops are the ones that have a good foundation - eg the 'motherboard" quality is essential.
Say 'yes' to Sony, ASUS, Hp (maybe the best bang for buck), Toshiba, and Lenovo.
Say 'no' to a Gateway, Acer, or Dell.
Either Intel or AMD are fine; the Intel's that are 1-3 old are inefficient and use too much power.
Above 'yes' brands are usually built like a rock with the Intel CPU.
If you get a 1-3 y.o. AMD made by the 'yes'; brands - then the viddy card, wireless, DVD/RW, hard drive, bluetooth, etc, are usually pretty good/xlnt for GR3 and on-the-fly RAW processing. I preferr AMD and have one myself - they are faster and cheaper than Intels - IMHO. Any viddy card in a 1-3 y.o. laptop is going to be decent to v.good. You can assign memory usage to the viddy card in the CMOS; I have mine set to the max 128Mb. Some newer laptops can assign more - but 128Mb works v.well. Shoot for a 1.7 to 2.2Ghz processor with either brand. Dual-core 64-bit processing is a must. Porting is pretty much mute; they all have firewire, 4-6 USB ports, etc. I bought a Hp for $700 and added $70 for more/and faster 'CORSAIR' RAM upgrade.
S W E E T...
1-2 Gb/RAM for Xp; 2-4Gb/RAM for Vista.
Even 1Gb/RAM is great on Xp - that is what I have now.
4Gb/RAM for Vista is highly recommended and I consider it an absolute 'must have'...
Operating systems?
Ooh - that can be a problem...
If you get frustrated with Vista - you can reformat the hard drive and put on Xp - if you know how to - or knows someone that does. You may want Xp Pro - if you need/want the multimedia edge. Even Xp Home basic blows the doors off of Vista/Vista64. Don't concern yourself that the CPU is 64-bit and the O/S isn't - it will be OK.
So - be happy...
Don't bother w/64-bit O/S for a laptop in either O/S. Consistency is what you are really asking me about; these things that I have mentioned are your better bets/buys. As far as getting around the Xp/Vista dilemma; you can try places like TigerDirect that still has some Xp laptops in stock that I know of. That is where I bought mine - pretty good deals overall.
Screen size is a personal thing; I like/have the 17" screen.
The better laptops come with 'LG' LCD screens; they tend to bright by an overabundance of 'blue' and need to have a calibration tool put on for RAW picture processing. Otherwise, you will lose RAW picture quality/consistency due to a loss of proper color management. The 'bright screens' were set up that way so that glare/daytime use could be attained. Even then; bright direct light can be a problem. I use a custom-built shade/hood on my laptop - made by a small internet company called "PCShade". it cost $40 incl S&H - but is well worth the expense - with no doubt!
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Stephen Locke
EF3
thanks Rob
Wow Rob,
Great reply. Tons of info. I'll use it all. You even answered the one Q i forgot . . . about the screen. FYI, I use Macs for image processing, this is just for chasing and WX software in the field.
Wow Rob,
Great reply. Tons of info. I'll use it all. You even answered the one Q i forgot . . . about the screen. FYI, I use Macs for image processing, this is just for chasing and WX software in the field.
Jay Press
EF1
We ran a macbook pro with weather worx this past chase season. Used a intel w/paralels. Worked great.
I have a MacBook Pro 17" / 2.16 ghz Intel Core Duo and when I use Boot Camp I notice that Vista drives the fans to top speed and the notebook gets hot.
I recommend Parallels or VMware Fusion (I use both, Parallels is my primary). They don't drive the fans to the top speed and keep them there; however, the machine will get hot with things running in the Virtual. The fans hardly get as loud by using Parallels compared to Boot Camp.
If you are using Parallels or VMware I'd recommend finding the smcFanControl tools on the Internet. They are open source/freeware, the last time I checked, and they keep the fans running at a minimum speed (I keep it running about 3000 minimum when using Parallels to keep the machine venting good) which helps keep the machine cool during use. (smcFanControl only works on MacBooks with Intel processors)
I agree that MacBook Pro is a great decision since of its dedicated graphics card and other hardware included with the machine. One recommendation I want to make is to get a hard-shell plastic case for the machine if using it for chasing with a good ventilation system.
Thanks,
Christopher Zenzel
I recommend Parallels or VMware Fusion (I use both, Parallels is my primary). They don't drive the fans to the top speed and keep them there; however, the machine will get hot with things running in the Virtual. The fans hardly get as loud by using Parallels compared to Boot Camp.
If you are using Parallels or VMware I'd recommend finding the smcFanControl tools on the Internet. They are open source/freeware, the last time I checked, and they keep the fans running at a minimum speed (I keep it running about 3000 minimum when using Parallels to keep the machine venting good) which helps keep the machine cool during use. (smcFanControl only works on MacBooks with Intel processors)
I agree that MacBook Pro is a great decision since of its dedicated graphics card and other hardware included with the machine. One recommendation I want to make is to get a hard-shell plastic case for the machine if using it for chasing with a good ventilation system.
Thanks,
Christopher Zenzel
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