Here is my little exchange with Nikon today...
After they referred me to the FAQ that I already read.
ME: "Thank-you for your reply but I still think you've failed to answer my question. The article you refer me to with your link is main reason I contacted you. I'd like you to escalate this issue to somebody that can answer my questions in more detail...
Which BRAND-NEW Macintosh computers are supported with the Nikon LS5000 scanners?
Does Nikon intend to support Mac? If so, then when, since all new Macintosh computers now have Intel processors?
It's already been four months of new Intel Macs, I'd expect Nikon to have at least some small idea of how much longer would before the Mac platform is again supported?
What's even more disturbing is that I only stumbled upon this issue by browsing this support forum. I was on the verge of purchasing at least four and possibly up to eight scanners and corresponding computers. That would have been a financial disaster for my company considering the lack of support and the seeming lack of concern by Nikon regarding the new Mac computers.
NOWHERE in your sales literature or the Nikon Coolscan website does it say that Macs with Intel processors are not supported. The sales literature only states that Macs require at least a G3 processor or better. Most people would read that and assume that a brand new Mac with the latest processor would be better than a G3.
Shame on Nikon for hiding this issue under the rug and not providing a prompt solution for their very loyal customers."
NIKON:
"Hello,
These days new operating system version pop up every other week.
We strive to keep our products up to date with the latest operating systems out there, and work closely with Microsoft and Apple to see that this support comes as quickly as possible.
Apple is still offering systems with the PowerPC processors, like the iBook G4, Power Book G4, and the Power Mac G5.
As of today, we do not support the new Mac systems with the Intel chipset, but this is currently being looked into. We have no other information to offer at this time.
Thank you,
Dave"
ME:
"These days new operating system version pop up every other week." LOL- You must be thinking of Windows where there are nearly a dozen versions not counting the new Vista.
But I understand. Nikon is working on it and you have no further information. That's fine.
However, your sales literature is seriously flawed. It says that the scanner will be compatible with a G3 or better processor. If your equipment doesn't work with the newer Intel processor, then it's NOT compatible with a G3 or better; it's ONLY compatible with a G3, G4, & G5.
My complaint is that you should either make a note in your literature at least for your vendors or issue an estimated date of when you're going to fix the problem.
As I explained, this is a PRE-SALES question and your attitude towards me is troubling. I was looking to purchase between four and eight of these scanners and because of inaccurate information in YOUR brochures, I almost purchased thousands of dollars of useless computer systems.
Maybe you should forward my question up the chain of command at Nikon... to somebody that cares more about what POTENTIAL customers think.
Meanwhile, I will post this issue at dozens of Mac user forums so that others don't make a big mistake by thinking a new Nikon scanner will work on their new Mac computer system.
NIKON:
"Hello,
We certainly do care about potential customers, which is why we will not offer any software that is not ready to be released. Software development takes a very long time to finalize, and involves a huge amount of testing before it is published publicly. Our timetable for software release for this new technology is unclear at this point, and we apologize for that.
As for the product literature, it will be updated to include this new item in time, and our vendors are supplied with up to date support information on a regular basis. At the time of publication, all information on the brochures was correct and up to date.
Thank you for pointing that out, however, and I will be happy to pass your comments onto our QA team for review.
Regards,
Dave"
I think everyone with a Nikon Scanner who is considering the purchase of an Intel Mac or vice-versa should send Nikon a flood of complaints regarding the issue. How long can this really take them? The new Macs have been out for quite a while now.
In my experience, Nikon has excellent equipment but once they identify an issue, they do nothing to resolve it. It gets swept under until the next scanner is released.
Example: The older LS-4000 scanner had firewire communication "issues". Issues that were never fully resolved but the LS-5000 scanner is now USB-2.0
(2) B & W G3 500 & AGP Gigabit G4 450 Mac OS X (10.4.6)
