the engine pods are there main ‘fast’ engines. From what i understood, when they are retracted, i would think that they use ‘thrusters/impulse’ type technology
Thanks for the answers!
Did any main characters from the original series cross over into Atlantis to give it some continuity with the original show?
Well as previously mentioned, the Canadian scientist has made several appearences in Stargate Sg-1 episodes, as well as teh main cast is supposed to have occasional time on Atlantis (in the first episodes, they were all present). I imagine that they wont be seen for a while seeing as Atlantis has their own probs to deal with.
But im sure that they’ll cross over on occasion again
Only Jack and Daniel were in the Atlantis pilot.
I think Weir and Janeway had the same problem, which is why I don’t have a whole lot of hope for Atlantis. It seems like a good demographic idea to have a strong-compentent woman in charge. But nobody can write the role worth a crap. Every third episode or so they are going to wedge in a tough-as-nails take no crap moment to establish that she is the strong woman. I honestly cannot think of one strong woman show that had good enough writers and actors to make a very good show.
Weir has something going for her that Janeway did not:
to which we could add:
Whereas Janeway sounded too much like Hepburn and wore those Star Fleet birth-control uniforms.
No disagreement that it will take good writing to keep the show alive, but that is true of any show, other than Baywatch.
a bit of course, but what about ‘Scrubs’??? I think you have a couple on that one 
(this is def a plug for that show…one of my favs :D)