Trouble with mac

[dbbotkin]

This is a general response to the question of how to use the HP Prime on a Mac. (note my prior post in this thread, I have Mac and PC and use the Prime)

Assumptions:
1) You don't want to buy a PC just to run the connectivity kit
2) You want to be able to access the HP Prime within the Mac OS environment
3) You are using an Intel-based Mac (not an old PowerPC version)

Case 1: Money is not a problem
Buy Parallels software for the Mac ($80) and install WinXP or Win7 ($50) from a legal source (e.g. software from an old PC, eBay, etc.) and run the Connectivity Kit as well as other PC software. This runs PC software "native" on the Intel processor, so if it runs on a PC, it will run in Parallels.

Case 2: You have more time than money and you are clever with computers and installing software
Implement a user-created (hack) solution such as suggested on this thread. This will "emulate" a PC environment for the Connectivity Kit that might work for you. Don't count on a clean interface to Mac features like drag-n-drop or even hardware ports. The fun part of this will be learning about software and sharing issues on forums.

Case 3: You just want to use the Connectivity Kit because the HP Prime is part of your job (e.g. a teacher)
Use "Boot-Camp" on the Mac to install Win7 in a partition (you create this) on your hard disk. Then you boot into Win7 and your Mac becomes a PC with all that implies.

The real problem is that HP makes PC's and is using the Prime to bolster its education-based PC sales and doesn't care that much what computer students might want to use. So Mac support is unlikely, despite that there is nothing inherently PC-centric about the CK software.

The Prime is a fantastic tool for education as well as on the job and the people who create and support it are superb. It is too bad that 'corporate' doesn't share those qualities.