Any issues/downsides dumping p2 to macbook via ex34 slot?

[Lkorver]

Anyone have any experience dumping p2's to the Macbook Pro via the express slot? It seems like it should be pretty simple but I'm there could be some problems arising. Thanks for the advice.

[Filmbuff28]

Your using an adapter right? Stupid question, you have to with the 34 express slot. I use a 17" macbook pro with a duel systems adapter for downloading p2. I have not had any problems and I love how quick it is compared to downloading from the camera. But, As I have read a good lot of posts about macs and P2, make sure you always write protect the P2 card before you mount it to the computer. There have been many issues that can be averted by doing that simple flip of the switch.

I usually copy the P2 card to a connected portable external hard drive (LaCie Rugged 160gb) and then mount the copied file into Final Cut and download the files so I can use the, now emptied, P2 card right away. I do it this way so I always have copies of the original P2 card (XML files) just in case I, or someone else, imports the files using the wrong settings or something.

Hope this gives you some good ideas for using P2 with mac. I have not had any unfixable problems while using my mac with P2 media. Just make sure to always write protect your P2 cards before using them with a mac (just in case).

JP

[ullanta]

Or, to paraphrase the above: the main issue I've found when trying to use P2 cards with the ExpressCard slot is the amount of force it takes to get it in there!

[Lkorver]

thanks for helping out a P2 newbie! So do I need just the duel systems adapter, or do I also need the duel adapter cradle? Once I have that figured out, I'm guessing I just need to download the p2 driver off the panasonic page? Thanks again.

[Filmbuff28]

Yes, you need the drivers from panasonic so your mac recognizes the P2 card from the express slot. You only need the duel-systems adapter, no cradle. But, like ullanta said, it may take a firm hand to insert the adapter so take care. Also know that once you insert the duel-systems adapter you cannot remove it and then reinsert it without having to restart your computer. There is also an AB switch on the bottom of the adapter, this took me a while to figure out when my adapter wasn't working, set it on A for macs. Just read the entire manual its only a few pages and it tells you all you need.
Good luck!

[David Saraceno]

You need this:

http://www.duel-systemsadapters.com/?productid=DP-0001

[Lkorver]

thanks for all the help guys, buying the Adapter tomorrow.

[ProfessorU]

Drivers for the duel adapter and P2 card for mac (http://panasonic.sixbullets.net/#drivers) are on my page if you need them. You will also want P2CMS.
Enjoy!