I've really got to start writing some of this down
From the category archives:
This worn (looking), leather-bound book is my new carrying case for the MacBook. It’s a little larger than the sleeve I’ve been using but the fun factor makes it worth it.
A little pricey at $80 US but nothing to bother a serious Mac fan. I’ll get a second job, or something. Created by twelve south, “Each BookBook is brought to life with hand craftsmanship and distressing, ensuring no two are exactly alike.” I’m very impressed with the workmanship. Comes in black and red.
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British wit and tech daddy-o, Stephen Fry, on the iPad (just a couple of snippits from lengthy but excellent review):
“Newspapers, magazines, literature, academic text books, brochures, fliers and pamphlets are going to be transformed (poor Kindle). Specific dedicated apps and enhancements will amaze us. You will see characters in movies use the iPad. Jack Bauer will want to return for another season of 24 just so he can download schematics and track vehicles on it. Bond will have one. Jason Bourne will have one. Some character, in a Tron like way, might even be trapped in one.”
“How much easier it is to distrust, to doubt, to fold the arms and say “Not impressed”. I’m not advocating dumb gullibility, but it is has always amused me that those who instinctively dislike Apple for being apparently cool, trendy, design fixated and so on are the ones who are actually so damned cool and so damned sensitive to stylistic nuance that they can’t bear to celebrate or recognise obvious class, beauty and desire. The fact is that Apple users like me are the uncoolest people on earth: we salivate, dribble, coo, sigh, grin and bubble with delight.”
Ahem. I confess to all but the dribble. I try not to dribble.
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I’ve wanted to to. But just couldn’t bring myself to stick something to the silky brushed aluminum of my MacBook Pro. Same lack of committment that’s kept me from getting a tattoo. But tonight I did it. In proud, Mac fan-boy fashion.
Maybe it had somthing to do with today’s earnings report by Apple (north of $50 billion). Or the rumor (TechCrunch) that Jobs has referred to the forthcoming Tablet as, “…the most important thing I’ve ever done.” Who knows.
The one above is the creation of JIROBOT. I also like the one with the Apple logo on Steve Ballmer’s head… or the finger-roll lay up by Michael Jordon. I’m sure you’ll find one you like.
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As far as I know, I did the first live video feed from a committee room at the Missouri state capitol. I know, you’re asking yourself why would anyone bother. You could ask that about a lot of important-but-not-too-interesting news.
We’ve been streaming audio of debate in the Missouri House and Senate for 8+ years and recorded audio of lots of hearings, but never video. Finally all of the pieces of the puzzle seemed to be in place: hardware, software, wifi.
I used a little Logitech webcam (on the tripod); the Casio Exilim for back-up (on the small tripod) and ran it (the LogiTech) through CamTwist up to USTEAM. I think I can skip CamTwist next time. You can sample a few seconds below.
It ain’t CBS but I didn’t have wait on the sat truck, either. Next time, I might just try this on the iPhone if I can get close enough.
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This PBS program on design has stuck with me for a couple of days. In one of the segments, a designer said something about removing everything that is not essential until all that remains is the essential. (This MacBook is a very nearly perfect example of that aesthetic.)
The same, I suppose, could be said of the theme I chose for this blog (the theme… not my execution). Thesis is the creation of Chris Pearson. More creative types have done all sorts of wonderful things with Thesis but I like the way it looks “right out of the box.”
I have gone through phases where I thought I could add a little “pizazz” to a site. If you have that designer gene, you can pull it off. If not, more is less. Knowing that –and lacking the gene– I shoot for simple. And let’s face it, nobody comes to a website twice because it looks cool.
I just finished a book by Deepak Chopra in which he says something about simplicity as an element of happiness. I’m paraphrasing here: If you acquire something, give something away. Sort of, “stuff neutral.” I’m going to give that a try because I clearly have too much stuff.
PS: So much for “less is more.” Got to playing with Thesis options and figured I’d play around with a header image for a few days.
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I long ago lost track of how many computers I have owned. During the latter Windows days, I would by a new computer rather than go through the hell of trying to upgrade the operating system. It was just easier to buy a new box with the new OS already installed. But in every instance, it was necessary to re-install all of my applications and move my data over.
Our IT guys have assorted utilities for making “ghost images” and simplifying the process, but it has always been a pain ion the ass for me. Before I switched to Mac.
My new 13″ MacBook Pro arrived yesterday. I set it next to the 15″ MBP I’ve been using for the last year… connected them with a FireWire cable… and then just followed a few simple steps on the new laptop. And then I went to lunch.
When I returned, all of my apps, all of my data, and all of my settings had been copied over to the new computer. Done. I really can’t imagine how it could have been any easier.
The 13″ is about a pound lighter and you notice the difference immediately. (I keep the thing with me at all times) The smaller form factor forced Apple to move the little speakers and –although I don’t see them– the sound is as good as the larger laptop.
I doubt I’ll see the upper-end 7 hours of battery life but hope to get four, which would be a big improvement.
Last night Barb asked, “Tell me again why you got a new computer?”
“Because I’m a good boy,” I replied.
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There are so many things I love about the Mac operating system. The screensaver above pulls from my iMac iPhoto. A delightful mix of employees, death row inmates and personal pix.
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