Whuffle and I have been debating what to spend some CITI reward points on, an IPod or a Minidisc player.
As Whuffle is a MAC user, MAC support is a litmus test feature, so not knowing of any MAC support for my NET-MG Minidisc recorder, I decided to look online during lunch. All I found was instructions on how to use the digital or analog out of a MAC to record audio in real time. Want to record two hours to a Minidisc? Then it'll take two hours!
So I contacted Sony Customer support:
Customer:
Message : My wife needs a new portable audio device. She has an old Minidisc player, but the recorder has passed on. The repairs cost almost as much as getting her a portable NET-MG.
While I've been very unhappy with the software you've released to work with the Minidisc, I've been very happy with the hardware itself.
My question is, Is there a way to get any of the portable Sony Minidisc players to connect to a MAC via USB or firewire? While Itunes integration would be ideal, it's hardly necessary.
The bottom line is, if there's a Minidisc player that works with MAC, then my wife will get that Minidisc player, if not, then she'll be getting an Ipod.
So, is there a portable Minidisc player that's MAC OS X compatible?
Response (Brent) 02/07/2005 10:08 AM
Thank you for contacting us with your inquiry regarding Sony's Mini Disc Walkmans.
The software supplied with the MD Walkmans currently showcased at Sony Style is not compatible with the Mac operating system.
The Sony Style Team is available to assist you with further inquiries.
Customer 02/07/2005 11:57 AM
That's a shame. She used to have a Minidisc recorder that was part of the stereo system, and she liked it. We were really hoping to find something she could use with her MAC.
Since I'm transitioning to Linux, and she's a MAC user, we'll be getting an IPod instead. While Linux support for the IPod is unofficial, at least it exists.
Does the Linux RealOne player support Net-MG? I'd like to keep using my Minidisc recorder. Is there any Linux support for Minidisc players? I've been using the RealOne software with my Minidisc player on Windows, since the Sony software is pretty much non functional.
Response (Brent) 02/07/2005 12:11 PM
Thank you for contacting us with your inquiry regarding Sony's Mini Disc Walkmans.
The software supplied with the MD Walkmans currently showcased at Sony Style is not compatible with the Linux operating system.
I suggest that you have a look at the MDPORTDG2 PC link kit that is compatible with Windows 98, 2000 or Me and Mac OS 9.0.4 or higher with Apple Extension; not currently compatible with Mac OSX.
To view the MDPORTDG2 PC link kit online at Sony Style, please click on the link below:
http://servicesales.sel.sony.com
Please enter the model number as "MDPORTDG2" in the search box on the displayed page. Please select the "Part or Accessory number " radio button and click on the Search link.
Please feel free to contact the Sony Style Team for further assistance.
Customer 02/07/2005 12:52 PM
She already has a digital out on her MAC, so the MDPORTDG2 wouldn't be of much use. This looks like a real time recording option, and a digital cable from Radio Shack would do the same job for her, only under OS X.
I'm disappointed. I didn't buy a Clie because it only accepted Memory Stick for external memory. Now I find Minidiscs are pretty much a PC only option.
Your only option for transferring data to a Minidisc player under MAC involves running an older version of the OS, and real time recording instead of something faster. Even that option doesn't exist under Linux. Not supporting Linux I can understand, but why ignore the MAC?
Are there any plans for MAC Support? If it's in the pipeline, we would be willing to wait on a purchase, but if it's not planned, we'll just get an Ipod and be done with it.
Response (Brent) 02/07/2005 01:14 PM
Thank you for contacting us with your inquiry regarding Sony's Mini Disc Walkmans.
We have not yet received any information on future support of Mac OS by Mini Disc walkmans.
The Sony Style Team is available to assist you with further inquiries.
Customer 02/07/2005 01:26 PM
Thank you for your help. I'm sorry the Sony product won't meet my needs.
So, it looks like we'll be saving up our reward points for an Ipod.
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