Pumps with Macs

[dionh]

Hi all,
I'm looking at getting a pump and wanted to see if there is anyway around the programs for Mac users? or do i also need to get a new computer with my pump?

Also, does anyone know how the pumps compare battery wise. Im looking at The Minimed, cozmo and Animas. Probably more-so sold on the Minimed due to continuous monitoring to id better any sleeping hypos.

thanks
Dion

[Funnygrl]

I use this (http://www.nesfield.co.uk/diabeteslogbookx/) software for day to day logging.

I use Bootcamp (though VMWare fusion, or Parallels Desktop will also work) to boot into Windows XP mode to upload my pump. Just buy a copy of XP and you're good to go. No reason to buy a whole new computer.

As far as battery life- Cozmo is worst (3wks) , Paradigm is a close second for worst (around a month), and Animas is best by far (close to two months).

[morrisma]

I use Radio Shack batteries for my mm715. The difference between them and other brands is just astounding. For instance, Duracell batteries for electronics last less than 2 weeks. Couldn't believe the differences. My current battery is still 4 bars (full) and going on 5 weeks.

As for a computer, bootcamp or some similar package is the way to go. Just boot windows on the mac. Check your OS & hardware before you buy the software to be sure it will be supported. If not, there are some really cheap desktops out there - watch the adverts.
Mike

[Funnygrl]

Morris- are the Radio Shack batteries lithium or something?

[Subby]

I think I got warned off using lithium in my mm by the educator. They "highly recommended" Energizer and I haven't see a reason to switch, a battery a month just isn't a high price to pay for a functioning pump. I might check out those radio shack batteries if they are around here (and aren't lithium I suppose?).

I'm not trying to disparage a battery life comparison, this is useful!

But I just wanted to say it is possible that once you are pumping, battery life may become a very very minor issue compared to all the other issues. The battery differences are going to be a few bucks a year in batteries and it is so easy to carry spares, least of your worries in my book. Having said that, yes, changing every one or two weeks may be a pain in the backside.

But for me I would be happy to go through a battery every couple of days if it meant affordable CGMS.

[Lloyd]

Batteries are the least expensive cost of any pump. One 3 day infusion set = the cost of batteries for many months.

Get the pump that will do what you need and want done, ignore the batteries, it just does not matter enough to be a factor.

[Dewey]

Welcome to the forums, dion. Sorry I can't help on the Mac front, but I can on the batteries...

As far as battery life- Cozmo is worst (3wks) , Paradigm is a close second for worst (around a month), and Animas is best by far (close to two months).
Actually, I use Lithium batteries in my Cozmo & get about 2 months out of it with them. I know it says they're not supposed to be used, but the ONLY difference I found when using Lithiums was that when they "go," they go quicker (in other words, have a spare handy). One should Always carry a backup battery & supplies, regardless of what pump they go with.

Also, I'm with Lloyd in that you should go with the pump that best suits your needs. Battery life, while a factor, isn't as important as other features, etc.

[Lloyd]

I also use lithium batteries in my Cozmo. And, yes, the batteries do die quickly when they reach the end of their life. Lithium is fine in both hot and very cold temps, so I keep a spare in my car even though I live in South Dakota.

[dionh]

Sorry Funnygrl do you mean that i can get these programs to work on a mac?

[Funnygrl]

You can get Windows to work on a Mac, and in turn get the programs to work.

[morrisma]

Morris- are the Radio Shack batteries lithium or something?

Enercell alkalines. The lithiums didn't last nearly as long. I really didn't pay much attention early on as batteries were the least of my worries but at some point, I remember buying some fancy "high energy" battery and it was a dud. I used up the pack of 4 in 6 weeks. That's when I started to pay attention. This disease makes you a bit crazy with record keeping and this was not a big additional burden. :D
Mike