[KeriVit]

I tried this in the lounge- since it is both hardware & software- But I am not getting any feedback... Can anyone here help?

Well, it looks like my partner will be going to Iraq for 6 months. In order to put aside any emotional issues that brings, I've decided to concentrate on getting her computer set up for communication and such. It's on a military base- but she will be a civilian in a trailer with electricity and stuff.

She has an iBook G4 with Superdrive and Airport card. So what other things would you suggest I set it up with? Software, hardware, etc.

iSight or dif cam? We'll need 2 i guess.
Messaging programs?
Any websites that would be helpful?
What other sort of accessories?
Need more RAM? (Currently 256)
Games or other things to combat boredom...

ALSO- a digital camera- sturdy- maybe 3.2 MP...

Thanks for any input.

[TankCdr]

Been there and tried to do that. She'll have to find a away to get internet access from a civillian source there. I haven't so I can't advise on that specific issue. The military will not allow her Mac or any other personal computer on the local LAN. I deployed with my PowerBook twice so far this war, but I take it knowing that it I will only use it off-line. I found games, iTunes, watching DVDs, reading e-books, etc. alone worth lugging it along. She will likely have decent access to the web for e-mail, bill paying etc. through her company or one of the military internet cafes. Don't expect sufficient bandwidth for iChat AV or the iSight. She'll need a good plan to keep her handwaret clean, even in a trailer, dust and sand will get intho everything.

[KeriVit]

Well, she is a civilian (though veteran)- working on a base- supposedly- this medical facility has a high speed connection (Taji- if that helps). But until I see it in writing - I won't spend any money.

The sand/dust is a consideration. I will look into some kind of bag to keep it in but easily accessible.

I have been loading up on audiobooks. Any decent games for the Mac- mindless/fun stuff?

What's the cell phone reception like over there?

Thanks.

[TankCdr]

I'm sure the base has connectivity, but my experience is that everyone on the unclasified network is fighting for a sliver of the limited bandwidth. E-mail works fine, web browsing can be slow, and video/audio just choke the connections.

Audio books are a good idea. Get her an iPod if she doesn't have one already. I'd leave my PowerBook at home and just take my iPod if it came down to it.

I'm a type-A military guy, so my game recommendations may not fly. I played alot of Civilization III, Medal of Honor & Call of Duty shooters, and the occassional game of Nanosaur.

I haven't had a cell phone in Iraq myself, but they are very common.

Hope this helps a bit...