GPS lap timers for Apple Mac

[JFKW]

Hi. Does anyone know of a GPS based lap timer/data logger that uses software that works on an Apple Mac? Most of the systems i've looked at only refer to Windows operating systems. I have a test day at Donington next Thursday so would really appreciate all help. Thanks.

[Joe911]

JFKW said:

Hi. Does anyone know of a GPS based lap timer/data logger that uses software that works on an Apple Mac? Most of the systems i've looked at only refer to Windows operating systems. I have a test day at Donington next Thursday so would really appreciate all help. Thanks.

You can always run Windows in a virtual machine - that' what I do for the Video Vbox.

[JFKW]

Joe, sorry to be dim, but can you clarify? Are you running Windows on the Mac or are you accessing a web service. I'm new to Macs so am still finding my way around!

[Joe911]

JFKW said:

Joe, sorry to be dim, but can you clarify? Are you running Windows on the Mac or are you accessing a web service. I'm new to Macs so am still finding my way around!

You can run Windows on a Mac - as well as MacOS.
Personally - I use a package called 'Parallels' http://www.parallels.com/ - but there are some free options too, I think. Basically - it lets you run Windows (and therefore Windows software) on a Mac. You do need a Windows license - of course.
Some 'virtual machines' let you run Windows software and Mac software side by side at the same time - some more primitive versions let you simply reboot into Windows or MacOS.

[JFKW]

That's great. Thank you.

[maffski]

As above you can use Parallels and run Windows as a virtual PC, the other option is Boot Camp - this lets you install Windows onto a Mac.

With boot camp you're running one or the other - when you start Windows you're not running Mac OS X and can only use Windows programs, with Parallels you can run windows programs side by side, however you might run into issues with programs that have odd requirements (for example highly accurate timing for a GPS) - so if you go for the Parallels route try the trial first to check it works for you.