Newbie: rowpro and mac

[cowboygrrl]

I'd like to run RowPro, but I have a Mac. I've done a little research regarding what's necessary to run rowpro on a mac. BootCamp will run Windows, so one question is, anyone out there doing this? If so, how's the performance?

Downside is having to buy Windows and Rowpro which is already at least $200. I can find a PC with Windows for around that. Opinions? If I go the cheap pc route, windows 7 or 8? There's a HP model with Windows 7 for $199 on Overstock right now.

Biggest question: is RowPro worth it?

[plummy]

I'd like to run RowPro, but I have a Mac. I've done a little research regarding what's necessary to run rowpro on a mac. BootCamp will run Windows, so one question is, anyone out there doing this? If so, how's the performance?

Downside is having to buy Windows and Rowpro which is already at least $200. I can find a PC with Windows for around that. Opinions? If I go the cheap pc route, windows 7 or 8? There's a HP model with Windows 7 for $199 on Overstock right now.

Biggest question: is RowPro worth it?

If you have some time to use it, it's a seriously good investment. The time/distance improvements can be very significant to start as you have the action screen as a distraction from the pain and you will push yourself harder as a result. I don't use it often as it's a bit of a kerfuffle for me to set up (moving laptops around etc). If you have a stable erg setup (i.e. not putting it away after each session) and a spare laptop you'll reap some benefits I'm sure.

Re Windows 7 or 8 - I wouldn't say there was any difference for Rowpro use (other than most people I know hate Windows 8 and would rather it was still 7)

[cowboygrrl]

Also posted in Beginner's thread, but wanted to reach out to any FS who use RowPro. I'll receive a pc in less than a week and will download RP. Any words of wisdom with regard to it's first use/set-up?

Also, anyone using a larger monitor with their laptop while using RP?

[Recess]

I'll try to post a photo soon, but I've got an overhead projector for my setup - giving me a 6 foot high display. Which is nice! If nothing else, it makes me keep my head up when I'm having a bash, instead of slumping forward to look at the C2 display.

Wisdom I can pass on....

1) If I touch the controls on the C2 display, RowPro crashes.
2) I bought a bluetooth mini-keyboard with trackpad which I keep next to me so I don't have to get up if I want to change settings / set a new row / chat etc
3) If you have an anti-virus software etc, turn off their auto-scan / auto-update functions while you're rowing. Depending on the processor, it can stutter the display.
4) Use it as an offline training tool as well as an online training/competing tool
5) Download other people's attempts at races and beat them. Find someone who's better than you at all the distances, and make it your goal to beat them (Mat Wilmington in my case last year).

That's it I think. Have fun!!

John

[cowboygrrl]

I'll try to post a photo soon, but I've got an overhead projector for my setup - giving me a 6 foot high display. Which is nice! If nothing else, it makes me keep my head up when I'm having a bash, instead of slumping forward to look at the C2 display.

Wisdom I can pass on....

1) If I touch the controls on the C2 display, RowPro crashes.
2) I bought a bluetooth mini-keyboard with trackpad which I keep next to me so I don't have to get up if I want to change settings / set a new row / chat etc
3) If you have an anti-virus software etc, turn off their auto-scan / auto-update functions while you're rowing. Depending on the processor, it can stutter the display.
4) Use it as an offline training tool as well as an online training/competing tool
5) Download other people's attempts at races and beat them. Find someone who's better than you at all the distances, and make it your goal to beat them (Mat Wilmington in my case last year).

That's it I think. Have fun!!

John

Thanks for taking the time to give me some pointers, John.