Apple
Figures
Aug 27th
Figures that my first post ‘back’ would be when my MacBook is working again. It was out of commission for months, finally got it fixed. Hard drive was dead, I was hoping for month to try and get some info off of it. Finally working again, and happy. I was using my 14” Dell D620 and switching down from 14 inches to 13.3 is a much bigger deal than you would imagine.
Apple
Apr 14th
I now have yet more problems with my Mac Book, I bought mine last year, almost a year ago, shortly after they first came out. Worked great until this past Christmas, when it would no longer turn on when the battery was in. It has only shut down on me, 2-3 times in the year I have had it. So at least I am fortunate to not experience the RSS (random system shutdown) problem that thousands experience.
Using the OS has been great. The machine while working is great. It is unfortunate that it is not reliable enough to use for work.
Lately it has been running well, however today the led on the magsafe connector flashes between orange and green. The battery monitor changes from fully charged to 99% charged reflecting the color on the magsafe connector.
Youtube video detailing my exact issue.
Another Reason to make the Switch
Aug 31st
CrossOver Mac beta was released…at least in Beta form finally. CrossOver allow you to run just about any Windows software on your Intel powered Mac product. This is not emulation, this is native.
From the CrossOver website:
“Welcome to the CrossOver Mac Beta center. We are providing a free time limited beta version of CrossOver Mac to anyone that is willing to test CrossOver.
CrossOver Mac will be the very best way to run your Windows applications on your Intel based Mac. It will let you install and run Windows programs as though they were native, all without having to buy or run a copy of Windows itself.”
Related Links:
Engadget Article
CrossOver’s Official Site
Even browse compatible software
Productivity
Aug 30th
As some people know, I have some extra time on my hands right now. I am bored, but I try to stay productive doing things. Over the years I have struggled with how to stay productive and stay focused. I still have these problems but have managed to minimize these problems. So how do I stay productive? focused? and just plain remember?
Its not that complicated, although it may sound complicated. The biggest thing for me is to write stuff down, and type it into the computer. You can do one or the other if you so choose, but I need both. Also, if you must get something done, and do not absolutely need an internet connection, unplug it.
The internet KILLS your time.
I use plain yellow sticky-notes, when around my apartment to write notes and make lists. I move these into OmniOutliner, which I believe is a Mac only software that allows to to create lists, drag text, drag pictures, drag anything and capture just about anything. I use the regular version since it meets all of my needs.
While I am not a fan of most Google applications, I have started using Google Calender, to keep track of appointments. There is a plug-in for my MacBook that puts a little icon at the taskbar so I can quickly add, and check appointments.
If you can manage, unplug your mouse. It may not seem like much time can be wasted, using a mouse. However think about how much you move it through out the day. When possible use keyboard shortcuts. When I first moved to the Macintosh platform, from Windows I found the software and interface lacking in shortcuts. However not to worry, there is software called MenuMaster, that allows any dropdown, in any piece of software to have a shortcut of your choosing assigned to it.
I also use a piece of software called QuickSilver. It allows you to run any piece of software and run different commands with it. For example, I can open QuickSilver, tell it to send an email then type part of an address (QuickSilver will recognize everything on your computer), and type a short message. Boom its sent. Did not have to launch any software, or do anything. QuickSilver is Free and besides for Keynote it is the single greatest piece of software for Macs.
Read http://www.43folders.com
Relative Links:
MenuMaster $10
Quick Silver Free WATCH this quick demo by Merlin Mann and Leo LaPorte
Omni Outliner $39.95-$69.95
Living the Mac Life
Aug 29th
A few months ago, after my dislike of my Dell laptop (for no real reason), had brewed long enough, Apple released their MacBooks. I bought one, a black one. It was an easy transition over, especially with the educational discount for Office and iWork.
Now why would I switch to a Mac? Keynote.
if you have ever created a presentation in Powerpoint or had to sit through Powerpoint presentations, you get to a point where you realize the software is boring and blah. Keynote isnt, the transitions alone, will make a crummy presentation become instantly entertaining. The first time I used the software all I heard were “Ohhh,” “How did you do that?”
But alas, Powerpoint can not do what Keynote can. That is really the reason why I switched. When I was looking for more information about Keynote, after seeing it in action for the first time, I found this site to be very useful: Micheal Hyatt CEO of some publishing company talking about switching and the virtues of Keynote.