Want to get your collective opinion. I have a 10" Coll SW Dob and want to have pointing data at my fingertips. I am thinking of getting either a netbook to run stellarium or get an iPod Touch to run one of their apps like stargazer. Any opinions on which way to go or experiences with either.
thanks
Dale Madison
A netbook would be nice, then again so would the iPod. For my tired, oldish eyes the netbook would be the choice based on screen size and flexibility, most of the netbooks nowdays have 160Gb Hdd's which double up nicely for portable image storage.
You could buy an Argo-Navis, not much more expensive than either, a lot more useful and it will hold it's value for longer.
I have both - an ipod tough running the voyager software & a linux netbook running k-stars or stellarium..
I use neither - S&T pocket sky atlas is what i take out - it is more precise at hunting down particular objects
If i had to choose - both don't zoom in very well in which case the ipod touch is smaller & fits in your pocket , is easier for quick looks.
Ooh forgot - i loaded the trion star chart pdf's on the ipod touch - use them more than the astro software..show much more, you just have to zoom around a bit to find what you're looking for - the book is quicker
I also have both. The itouch wins with portability and handiness. I use Starmap Pro - it's great you can set views for the finderscope and other optics and move between different views by pinching etc... Or switch back to normal view by a quick shake. I also have voyager it's OK but the database isn't as extensive as SMPro. I use the netbook to control the mount and camera and connect to it via Wifi from inside.
I use StarMap Pro on an iPhone 3G... it will be much the same on an iPod Touch. StarMap Pro is better than many other apps regardless of platform so in a sense the iPod is worth it just to get this app.
One other thing to consider is that Apple may release a tablet early in 2010, a bit like a 10" iPhone. You might want one of these instead.
I personally wouldn't touch an iPod if you threw one at me. Over-rated product imho. I'd go the Netbook. Sorry, but I'm not a fan of Apple having the "right" to veto any application that they don't like. Imagine if Microsoft stopped you from installing applications on your PC - the uproar that would ensue! I have horror memories of an iPod mini 6GB unit that was a p.o.s and Apple's service and support was horrendous.
Plus, for some reason, my fingers don't work well with touch screens/pads.
I personally wouldn't touch an iPod if you threw one at me. Over-rated product imho. I'd go the Netbook. Sorry, but I'm not a fan of Apple having the "right" to veto any application that they don't like. Imagine if Microsoft stopped you from installing applications on your PC - the uproar that would ensue! I have horror memories of an iPod mini 6GB unit that was a p.o.s and Apple's service and support was horrendous.
Plus, for some reason, my fingers don't work well with touch screens/pads.
Dave
Saw that coming.... Answer the question Dale asked Dave - we all really know what you think of Apple... for whatever reason.
Dale: The iPod Touch doesn't have the compass or GPS, so informing apps like Voyager and SkyMap where and when you are is trickier. The accelerometer still works, but without the compass of the phone it's hobbled somewhat. I have both the iPhone 3GS (best device I've ever owned, IMHO...LOL!) and the eeePC. Tell you what - I whip out the iPhone and have my answer in seconds, but wait for the eeePC to boot. Which do I use more in the field? If the phone could run my PHD session, I'd use it solely.
I have both an eeePC and an iPhone (both of which Dave above thinks are overrated products (not entirely sure why as both products do exactly as advertised) ). The eeePC is fantastic for Starry Night Pro Plus (for finding what's in the sky) but, the iPhone with SkyVoyager is just as good. The 3GS makes use of the altimeter and compass -- all you have to do is point at the sky, and it will, fairly accurately, show you what you're pointing at. Then, just use your fingers to zoom in, et voila!
I'm not sure if the iPod Touch have an altimeter or compass, but, still, you can always star hop.
Can't really go wrong either way as both have very low power requirements (the netbook that I purchased has 9.5 hour battery life). The smaller iPod would use not much battery, either.
I guess your decision comes down to how much you wish to carry, and, whether you would like to do any imaging at all.
And I offered my experiences with Apple's iPod units.
Dave
Was that required Dave? For your own experience, there are millions who would disagree. How are we to know that you didn't drop your iPod and are now sore at Apple for being hesitant to fix it? "IMHO" doesn't cut it without some backing evidence, imho.
We were asked to provide opinions on the functionality of both units - and from those that have used them (Touch - not Mini, which is quite old now. There's a somewhat monstrous difference between them).
I'm one of the millions Chris mention. If I could run all of my astro stuff with a Mac, the sole PC I own would be gone, yesterday, sorry Dave.
I have TheSky 6 on the PC, and Voyager on the MacBook and iPhone, but in keeping with the thread poster I would opt every time for the Argo Navis. I use one on the dob, and it is THE best accessory ever.
Thanks for all the input. I opted for the ipod and skyvoyager to learn how to use it. I have been looking at starmap pro so may end up getting that to. Thanks for all the advice.
Was that required Dave? For your own experience, there are millions who would disagree. How are we to know that you didn't drop your iPod and are now sore at Apple for being hesitant to fix it? "IMHO" doesn't cut it without some backing evidence, imho.
We were asked to provide opinions on the functionality of both units - and from those that have used them (Touch - not Mini, which is quite old now. There's a somewhat monstrous difference between them).
And there are millions who are sheep as well Chris. There are other mp3 units out there that are just as good as iPods, and in terms of sound quality, better.
As to my iPod mini, no, it was not mistreated. If you read up on it, you'll see that the first, and 2nd gen iPod mini units had MASSIVE battery issues. Go Google it and you'll see what I'm talking about. It was bad enough that a lawsuit was taken against Apple about it (and Apple settled I might add). Of course, Apple Australia did SFA, since the lawsuit in question was based in the US, and Apple Australia wasn't going to do jack unless a mass lawsuit in Australia eventuated. Apple is not a nice company.
Dave
Oh, and by the way, I used to work for Apple Australia. I've seen more about that company than I can legally repeat here. They are one nasty company. Period.
Perhaps you should use your tongue instead. Seems pointed enough.
Dale I will have an Iphone at Snake valley if you want to have a play and I have a 16GB Ipod touch for sale if you are interested. A good price and still under warranty.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dpastern
I personally wouldn't touch an iPod if you threw one at me. Over-rated product imho. I'd go the Netbook. Sorry, but I'm not a fan of Apple having the "right" to veto any application that they don't like. Imagine if Microsoft stopped you from installing applications on your PC - the uproar that would ensue! I have horror memories of an iPod mini 6GB unit that was a p.o.s and Apple's service and support was horrendous.
Plus, for some reason, my fingers don't work well with touch screens/pads.
I would go the iPod/iPhone. I have had the iPhone now for about 12 months with no problems at all. I use the iPhone for astronomy purposes, iEphemeris,pUniverse,StarMap,Sky Voyager and Planets. Been no issues with any of the software at all. I will be upgrading to the newer 3GS as soon as I can and then will upgrade the software to StarMap Pro.
Perhaps you should use your tongue instead. Seems pointed enough.
Doug - I really don't care what you think of me. The OP asked for our thoughts and experiences. I gave my views, thoughts and experiences.
It's nice (note the sarcasm) to see some users implying that I'm lying, and others who then try and ridicule me simply because they disagree with my comments.
Anyways, I said my bit, I have no further need of this thread.
Oh, and by the way, I used to work for Apple Australia. I've seen more about that company than I can legally repeat here. They are one nasty company. Period.
Sheep, huh. Then baaaaaaah!!! Come on Dave - they're no worse than any other out there. I worked for IBM (large systems division as an engineer), and in senior management for Avante Systems and Logical Solutions - the latter two large Apple dealers in their day. IBM was always a great company to work for, and later with. It had its principles and was tough on anything that threatened its existence. So was Apple. I've also worked for several other large-scale computing firms and there's no "nice" company, that's for sure. There's also always going to some ex employee that doesn't like their old company for some reason - stands to reason, otherwise they'd probably still be there. As an intelligent person that appreciates the Apple design and functionality philosophy of Apple, I stand with most others who don't think that Apple are out to get me. All companies come across problems that need to be solved, and not everyone is going to agree with how that's done. Tough. That's business. I still have plenty of friends at Apple Computer both here and in the States, and they've all loved working there for years - some since 1984.
Here is a question for ya's,
I did read somewhere (can't find it now) that the ipod touch with its wireless connection could be able to wirelessly control a mount of some sort say an eq6 pro with a wireless dongle attached ? Haven't herd of anyone doing this yet but would be an interesting alternative than lugging around the laptop
Here is a question for ya's,
I did read somewhere (can't find it now) that the ipod touch with its wireless connection could be able to wirelessly control a mount of some sort say an eq6 pro with a wireless dongle attached ? Haven't herd of anyone doing this yet but would be an interesting alternative than lugging around the laptop
Cheers
Scott
Scott - "SkyFi" from Carinasoft, the authors of Voyager, lets you control your scope (or Argo Navis!!) using Voyager, from your iPhone or laptop via WiFi to serial with a small hardware device they will sell soon.
If you have a computer-controlled GoTo telescope, SkyVoyager can use the WiFi capabilities built into your iPhone or iPod Touch to point your telescope in the sky.
In order to communicate with your telescope, you will need a WiFi-to-serial adapter to relay commands from your iPhone or iPod's WiFi, to the serial port on your telescope. This page describes SkyFi, our patent-pending WiFi-to-Serial adapter, intended for wireless telescope control in the field.
If you don't have such an adapter, you can also use our Voyager software, running on a Mac or PC with WiFi and a serial port, as a WiFi-to-serial server. This page explains how to set up such a configuration.
SkyFi and SkyVoyager
As mentioned above, in order for SkyVoyager to control your telescope, it needs a WiFi-to-serial relay. SkyFi is that relay. SkyFi is the only device on the market specifically designed for this purpose. It's battery-driven, patent-pending, and and specifically designed for the iPhone/iPod Touch. It needs no wires or electrical outlets; your scope, SkyFi, and iPhone all run off batteries, or from a 12V source.
Unlike bluetooth devices, SkyFi requires no pairing, and no special drivers. Its uses standard TCP/IP networking protocols. Because TCP/IP is the language of the internet, SkyFi can enable your telescope to be remotely controlled over the internet. This is a capability that bluetooth simply was never designed for.
SkyVoyager with SkyFi in use at the telescope.
You can use SkyFi with your WiFi-enabled laptop or desktop computer as well as with an iPhone. To use SkyFi with other applications, you can install our open-source COM Port Redirector (CPR) software on your computer. While not required to use SkyFi, the CPR software will register SkyFi as an additional "virtual serial port" on your computer, that any other application program can use as if it were a real serial (COM) port.
SkyFi is very compact, barely larger than an iPhone. It can be easily attached to your telescope's mount or tripod; a strip of double-sided Velcro is included for that purpose.
SkyFi accepts four AA batteries, and has a typical battery life of 8 to 12 hours under continuous use. SkyFi can also be powered from an external source, like a car battery or a wall socket. Power adapters for both AC (120V, 60Hz) wall socket input and DC (9-12V, 1.2A) cigarette-lighter socket input are available.
Once powered on, SkyFi creates its own 802.11 wireless network. By default, this is an open wireless network called "SkyFi", but you can rename it and password-protect it later on. Join this network from your iPhone, laptop, or other computer, and - voila! - you're ready to use SkyFi. As long as your computer or iPhone gets its IP address by DHCP, no additional network configuration is required.
SkyFi provides a standard DB-9 serial connector to interface with your telescope. That means you can use your existing telescope serial cable - you don't need to buy (or build!) another. If you don't already have a telescope serial cable, Carina Software can supply one at additional charge; please specify your telescope model when ordering.
We showed working prototypes of SkyFi at NEAF in New York in April 2009. Following FCC approval, SkyFi will be available for purchase by late September 2009, with a retail price of $129 - $149 (USD). We expect a significant manufacturing backlog, so if you'd like to reserve a place in line, send us an email. SkyFi pre-release orders will be honored at $129 plus shipping and tax (where applicable). Your credit card will not be charged until your unit ships, and you can cancel your order at any time before delivery.
For more information, download the SkyFi flyer we distributed at NEAF. Its information is still accurate, with the exception of ship date and price. We will still honor all NEAF SkyFi pre-orders at the $99 price point.
Answer the question Dale asked Dave - we all really know what you think of Apple... for whatever reason.
). The eeePC is fantastic for Starry Night Pro Plus (for finding what's in the sky) but, the iPhone with SkyVoyager is just as good. The 3GS makes use of the altimeter and compass -- all you have to do is point at the sky, and it will, fairly accurately, show you what you're pointing at. Then, just use your fingers to zoom in, et voila!
