Is there a card reader and software that is mac OS 10 compat

[chester11]

I'm using a REMstar m series cpap plus with a SmartCard module that uses a Encore Pro Smart Card. My doctor always sees my SmartCard on my quarterly visits. And I am still fairly new to this and having a hard time getting use to the cpap. Would it be worth it to get a card reader and software so I can monitor the info on the card myself? If so, is there a card reader and software that is mac OS 10 compatible?
I have read that the m series only supplies minimal information. And I don't know if any of that information would be helpful for me. I have really not used my cpap that much up until a few days ago when I found this website. I'm learning a lot here! It really has been very helpful for me. I guess the main reason I have not used my cpap is because of the uncomfortable mask fit. After making a few adjustments from the information I found here, it's getting a little easier. Thank you!

[cflame1]

No point with the machine that you've got... it's a compliance hours only reporting machine.

To stay with your same brand and get more information (as well as any software)... you'd need to get at least a Pro to make it worth purchasing.

[Patzee]

"Is there a card reader and software that is mac OS 10 compat" - chester11, THAT, I'd be willing to say, is a big NO. Was my first question early on as well.

We got the first Apple computer made available to we guys-on-the-street when they came out in the 80's, and have continuously and exclusively had MACs since them - have three big MACs currently - not the sandwiches.

Had to go out and buy a pc (Dell) just to get data for my recording oximeter - it is a sad/sorry fact.

patzee

[falvesjr]

You can use EncorePro/Viewer and card reader with your Mac, but you need to make it think it's a PC. You can either use Boot Camp to run Windows on your Mac, or if you don't like the idea of a complete reboot just to get to Windows, you can use virtualization software, such as VMware Fusion or Parallels. I have both Fusion and Parallels on my Mac, but prefer Fusion. I have Fusion running with Windows 7 and EncorePro 1.8 works just fine. Oh, you must have an Intel based Mac to do this... If you have any questions, I'll be happy to help!

[Julie]

Just for the record - Bootcamp is infinitely cleaner and easier to use than virtuals or Parallels. But yes, you do need an Intel Mac.

[falvesjr]

Julie, yes, Boot Camp is more like a "real PC", well, because it basically *is* a PC at that point!

If you don't mind having to reboot to get to the PC, and reboot again, to get back to the Mac, Boot Camp is the clear choice. I don't want to/can't wait that long to switch environments, so I use VMware Fusion. Fusion, especially v3 that just came out, is *really* good and fast, and the time it takes to restore or create a saved state is *much* improved in v3 -- and is "super ultra faster" than booting Windows!

Like I said, I have both Fusion and Parallels, and Fusion 3 really blows Parallels away at this point. I've found that Windows 7 works perfectly, along with EncorePro and the Infineer reader. Of course, YMMV... For me, virtualization is the way to go.

[Julie]

I think my problem is that I WANT to keep the systems separate, very separate. I don't ever again want to worry about stupid viruses and worms and whatnot or ever compromise my beautiful Mac in any way at all. It's no big deal to switch over once a day or every third day (I don't check things every day at all) and I don't use Windows for anything else, so I'm very happy the way things are. If there are newer and better ways to use Wins now on this thing, and they work for you, terrific, but I'm happy the way I am.

[GaryG]

Just for the record - Bootcamp is infinitely cleaner and easier to use than virtuals or Parallels. But yes, you do need an Intel Mac.

Another Bootcamper here. Yeah, a bit inconvienent to reboot. Just bring up windows, create the reports, then go back to OS 10, to review.

[falvesjr]

Julie, Gary,

I totally get it. I'm not trying to push one way over the other, only relating what works well for me. Besides, Fusion and Parallels both cost money and Boot Camp is free!

Vive la différence,
F

[chester11]

You all have been very helpful. And I thank you very much. I guess the first thing to do is to look into a different cpap machine that records more data. I have been a Mac Addict for a very long time. And I hate the idea of using Windows. It's bad enough that is what I have to use at work. Right now the only thing Microsoft on my Mac Pro is Microsoft Office. Maybe by the time I find a different machine, there will be some software for macs that can read the SmartCard. This is the very first time I have not been able to find compatible software. If I don't find anything, I think I'll go the easy way with Bootcamp, and find a cheap version of Windows. I want to keep it simple. I'm sure I'll have more questions when the time comes. Once again, thank you very much.

[GaryG]

Another option is to pick up a netbook for a few hundred bucks and use it for the CPAP software.

[jweeks]

"Is there a card reader and software that is mac OS 10 compat" - chester11, THAT, I'd be willing to say, is a big NO. Was my first question early on as well.

Hi,

Have you tried running it in a VM session on the Mac? You should be able to run XP and access the USB ports without having to resort to legacy PC hardware. I happened to have a PC floating around, so I haven't bothered to try it on my Mac yet.

-john-

[SuperGeeky]

Have you tried running it in a VM session on the Mac? You should be able to run XP and access the USB ports without having to resort to legacy PC hardware. I happened to have a PC floating around, so I haven't bothered to try it on my Mac yet.

-john-

Yep John, you beat me too it!! I've been using Linux for over 12 years. Virtual PC's have come along way especially with USB and everything five years or younger has plenty of memory. Vmware should be free.

Plenty of other Open Source virtual stuff that should work on a *Nix* operating system. Just compile it, I would suppose..

Congratulations on a Mac, I'm jealous

Sweet dreams,

SG

[Julie]

Hate to say it, but don't hold your breath waiting for Mac compatible software... it's an old story and there's nothing on the horizon as far as I know.

[Autopapdude]

I use Windows 7 on an an intel mac, and have no desire to own a separate PC. My compliance software runs on win 7, and so do some other programs that I occasionally use. Other than that, I'd never want a Windoze machine. Boot Camp is just fine, as the reboot time with Snow Leopard and Win 7 is a lot faster than it was with Leopard and XP.