In truth both platforms have applications in exhibits. . . it depends
a bit on what you are planning to do with them and what  software
you will be running on them. . .

At Pacific Science Center we run mostly Mac's because we do
find them easier to support and have the most experience with
them.  We also have the development tools (software) we use
to develop programs for this platform.

We have used PC's where we have purchased software from
others, or in some cases where we are just using them for
visitors to view portions  of the web (the platforms are equal
for web viewing and PC's are sometimes cheaper.)

One thing I like about the Mac's is that all the hardware
tends to be supported from generation to generation. Many
companies that make PC's tend to stop supporting them once
the new generation of hardware is out. . . and  it is sometimes
difficult to get copies of the "drivers" for subsystems in the
hardware after a few years.

Hope this helps. . .

David Taylor
Pacific Science Center
Seattle, WA

-----Original Message-----
From: Celeskey, Matt
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: 5/18/01 7:56 AM
Subject: Preferred computer platforms in exhibits

Hello all,

I'm currently involved in the design of a new exhibit that will include
several computer kiosks. Our design team is making the recommendation
that
we set up Macintosh computers, in part because it is the platform we are
familiar with (and we will probably be the ones maintaining them), and
our
experience has shown them to be less trouble-prone in a setting where
hundreds of visitors use them daily.

As you might guess, there are other forces promoting a Windows NT/2000
environment on the exhibit floor.

We've also noticed that most of the museums we are familiar with use
Macs in
their exhibits. I was curious to know if any of you had run into the
same
issues in your insitutions, and what your experiences were with
different
computer platforms in public areas. I'm working on putting together a
justification to use Macintosh computers in this exhibit, and a couple
of
testimonials from other institutions would be very helpful.

Thanks!
Matt Celeskey

New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
[log in to unmask]

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