*ist DS software

I have just purchased an *istDS, with which I am highly delighted. However, I am having trouble with the software supplied. I cannot load the electronic manual - does any one know whether it contains anything additional to the comprehensive paper manual? - nor the imaging software which is more of a problem, as I cannot shot in RAW. I have emailed Pentax UK, but no response (does any manufacturer ever respond to emails sent vai a website?)

Has anyone else come across this problem with the software?

I am running a 4 month old computer, with 1024mb of RAM, Windows XP + SP2, and an Athlone 64 3400+ processor

I haven't loaded the software, because I still think it's much easier to use a card reader and open all the files in Photoshop 7. This does of course mean that I don't use RAW files, but then I never have felt the need to.

I have heard some grumblings from others regarding Windows XP and Service pack 2, so maybe that is something that could be looked into?

A card reader is definitely the way to go, I couldn't imagine plugging my camera in to my computer all the time. I also open my images in PS7 and use Adobe's fantastic RAW plug-in, it really is a great piece of software. The only problem with this though is the price of PS7 (£400ish), it is worth it but when you compare it to free software then you may think twice.

I didn't have a problem with the Pentax software installation on a Mac. Could you tell us what the file extension is on the end of the Pentax electronic manual, it's usually a .pdf in my experience.

Regards,
Simon

Thanks for comments. I always use a card reader - it was converting RAW files once downloaded that was of concern. Yes, the manual is a .pdf file