Working Smart

MenuMaster Now Available for Mac Intels

Unsanity has finally released a public beta of Menu Master, one of my all-time favorite utilities, for Mac Intel computers. I have been checking their Website daily since I got my MacBook Pro. It had become so much of my workflow that I found it difficult to get along without it. I installed the program with no problems and it appears to be stable.

Menu Master is a system enhancement that allows you to change or remove menu shortcut keys in any application with a simple press of the key. Pull the menu down, navigate to the menu item you want, and then press a keystroke combination. It is automatically assigned to the menu item and instantly appears on the menu item itself. Don’t like your choice, just press the backspace key and delete it. Very cool and very easy to use.

Menu Master is on my must-have list of Mac software. At $10.00, it’s a steal. Grab a copy and give it a whirl.

Technorati Tags: apple, cool software, macbook pro

MacBook Pro: First Impressions

I have to admit: I'm a certified Mac zealot. I’ve drunk the Kool Aid and nearly shaved my head. I even attended MacWorld this year to pay homage to “The Steve.” I witnessed first-hand his unveiling of the new MacBook Pro (hereafter “MBP”). I oohed and ahed with the thousands of other Mac faithful as he demonstrated the impressive new features and radically improved speed.

I was hooked. I walked out of the Moscone Center and immediately ordered one. Then I waited with anticipation for my new MBP to arrive. I finally received it on Friday, March 10, a few weeks later than Steve had promised in his keynote speech. Oh well, I thought, Apple still delivers products faster than its competitors.

The conversion from my G4 PowerBook was painless. In my past PC life, whenever I bought a new machine, I braced myself for what I knew was going to be a long, painful conversion process. I could usually get my documents copied over with no problems. But then I would reinstall my applications, one at a time (if I could find them), so I could benefit from a clean registry. I would also have to manually find certain drivers and tweak the system. This process usually required a full day for the initial conversion and a week or two of tweaking. As a result, I always had a sense of dread about upgrading.

Not so with the Mac. I have never switched to a new computer so quickly. Apple makes this ridiculously easy. You simply connect the two machines together via Firewire and let the Migration Wizard do its magic. It took about an hour-and-a-half to copy everything to the new machine. But when it was done, I had an exact replica of my old machine. Same applications, same documents, same folder system (even with my custom icons installed), and same startup items. So, I rolled up my sleeves and decided to put the machine through its paces.

First the specs: I bought a 2.0 GHz MBP. I have 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM memory. I have a 100 GB Toshiba hard drive. Everything else is standard.

I have to admit, initially, I was not that impressed. In fact, I was actually disappointed. The machine seemed slightly faster than my PowerBook, but not that much faster. Worse, it was running hot—and I mean really hot! I couldn’t stand to let it sit on my lap, even for a few seconds. Also, it was very warm around the keyboard, so much so that it was uncomfortably warm when I was resting my hands.

However, things seem better today. My guess is that the slowness and some of the heat was the result of Spotlight indexing my system. The system seems much, much faster today. The machine is still warm, but now I hear the fans occasionally kicking in. (They are very quiet. If the air conditioning in my house is on, I can’t hear them at all.) However, I still think it’s warmer than my PowerBook.

I tried to quantify the heat issue by using Temperature Monitor 3.4. However, even though the program is “Universal” (i.e., re compiled to run on the Intel-based Macs), I could not get it to work with MBP. It gave me an error message that it could not find any heat sensors on the machine. So, either the program is not yet compatible or I have a problem with my heat sensors. I’m going to watch this carefully over the next few days. If it continues to be a problem, I am going to send the machine back to Apple.

The good news is that Universal bundled apps are blazingly fast. Safari and iTunes load in about two seconds. Keynote and iPhoto take a few seconds longer, but the load times are still dramatically faster than the PowerBook. They are also very fast to use. Saving a large Keynote file on my PowerBook would normally take several seconds. On the MBP, it only takes a a second or two. This is a major improvement.

Web pages also seem to just “snap” onto the screen. This is, of course, a function of your connection speed, Internet traffic, and the load on the server at the other end of the transaction. But overall, I experienced a noticeable speed improvement. All and all, this makes for a very pleasing user experience.

I have to admit that I was nervous about PowerPC apps (i.e., those not yet re-compliled to run on Intel machines), since they are translated on-the-fly via Apple’s Rosetta technology

I was particularly concerned about how Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop would perform. I am happy to report that they work just fine. Honestly, I can’t tell any difference. I had expected a slow-down, but they seem to run as fast as they did on the PowerBook.

The screen is a little brighter. However, I like the resolution on my wife’s PowerBook—the last model before they announced the MBP—better. Still, it’s an improvement over my last PowerBook.

The built-in iSight camera is also great. I especially like the Photo Booth software. It is an absolute blast. I can’t think how this can be really useful, but it is fun. FrontRow is also a nice app. I actually used it last night with the remote to control my music. This is where Apple really shines—anything having to do with the user interface.

I am going to miss my BookEndz docking stations. These won’t work with the MacBook Pro. Although BookEndz says it is “committed to developing a docking station for the new MacBook Pro,” it’s not available yet. I will just have to get used to plugging in and then unplugging every cord as I move my notebook around.

Also, I have to buy a new collection of power cords. The PowerBook cords cannot be used with the MacBook Pro. Bummer. The MagSafe magnetic connector is pretty cool, but this is offset by the fact that the power supply is larger. This is one place where I wished Apple had just left the system alone. And, to add insult to injury, the power cords seem in short supply. I checked two stores here in Nashville yesterday, and neither had them. By the way, speaking of power, battery life appears to be about the same as my PowerBook.

Am I glad I upgraded? Yes, I think so. I am still concerned about the heat issues. Right now, this is keeping me from raving about the machine. If this problem can be solved, then I will be very glad I took the plunge.

Technorati Tags: apple, mac, macbook pro, switchers, wintel

Sentencing Application Software to Death Row

I download lots of software. If it looks interesting or promises to increase my productivity, I give it a whirl. Sometimes, it is a truly helpful application and becomes part of my regular workflow. Often, it is something I need for a special project and I never use it again.

Unfortunately, after a year of using my Mac—and loving it!—it looks like I have almost 150 apps installed on my PowerBook. This is way too much clutter. I need to simplify my life—and regain some much-needed hard disk space.

So I created a “Death Row” folder. I then moved any program I haven't used in a while to this folder. I plan to sequester the files for the next 30 days. Then I’ll revisit the folder and decide which programs get pardoned (moved back to the Applications folder) and which get annihilated (sent to the Trash bin).

Currently, I have 60 inmates on Death Row. I feel better already!

Technorati Tags: mac, productivity, clutter, workflow

An Example of a Great Presentation

Business presentations are rarely inspiring. More often than not, they are outright boring. This seems to be especially true if the presenter uses PowerPoint. (Ugh.)

That’s why I was particularly impressed with Steve Jobs’ presentation last week announcing the new iPod Video. Even if you don’t have any interest in the product, it is worth watching the QuickTime movie just to see a business presentation done right. Jobs’ slides are especially impressive. Like his company’s products, the slides are simple, uncluttered, and elegant.

I was also impressed by Jobs himself. He was relaxed, articulate, and genuinely enthusiastic. As a result, his message was contagious. I’m sure people left the room buzzing about what they had seen.

Technorati Tags: apple, keynote, mac, powerpoint, steve jobs, speaking

Mac Vs. WinTel: Total Cost of Ownership

Winn Schwartau is a computer security expert. Several months ago, he switched from Windows to a Mac. He documented his experience in a series of 16 articles entitled Mad As Hell. You may not agree with all his conclusions, but it is definitely worth reading.

Today he posted his final conclusions, along with a spreadsheet showing the total cost of ownership for each platform. I think you will be surprised at his results. I was.

Technorati Tags: apple, mac, switchers, windows, wintel

iTunes 5.0: A Fix ... Sort Of

Apple just updated their Knowledge Base in response to the problems many users were experiencing with iTunes 5.0. They have posted (or updated) two articles:

• iPod does not appear in iPod Updater or iTunes in Mac OS X
• iPod doesn’t appear in iTunes or on the Mac desktop (if you are using Windows, they have posted a separate article)

I reported on my problems over the weekend. However, I was able to fix the problem using a variation of the fix outlined in the first article. I am hoping that Apple issues iTunes 5.1 quickly. I don’t think most users will have the patience or the expertise to go through these steps.

Technorati Tags: Apple, iPod, iTunes

Mad As Hell—Switching to Mac

Winn Schwartau runs a computer and Internet security company called The Security Awareness Company (or Interpact, Inc.). Recently, he got fed up with the high cost of maintaining a Windows-based system in today’s computer environment. As a result, he switched his entire company over to Mac. He is documenting his experience in a series of articles called Mad As Hell.

He says,

This is my first rant written on a Mac. Ever. Maybe I should have done it a long time ago, but I never said I was smart; just obstinate.

Here’s the deal. “I’m Mad! And I’m not going to take it anymore.” Of course I am talking about the WinTel world. Before anyone in Redmond or Inteland freak out… well maybe you should. I have had it...

Things used to work.

And this is exactly why I am coming to subscribe to the view that indeed, the WinTel hegemony is a threat to the national economic security of any organization or nation-state that relies up it...

I am coming to the belief that there is a much easier, more secure way to use computers. Since I have spent several years focusing my security work on Ma, Pa & The Corporate Clueless, I have also come to the conclusion that if I and my kind (reasonably fluent) are having such problems, what about the other 98% of humanity who merely want a computer for e-mail and multi-media?

This is well worth a read, especially if you are considering making the switch. Make sure you read all the comments.

What Was That Keyboard Shortcut?

I hate using my computer’s mouse. Every time I have to take my hand off the keyboard to reach for it, I suffer a slight decline in productivity. That’s why I try to memorize every keyboard shortcut I can. It just makes me more productive.

Up until now, this has required an up-front investment in learning each program’s shortcut keys. However, I recently stumbled across a program called KeyCue. Unfortunately, for you Windows users, this only works with the Mac.

Here’s how it works: From within any program you press the Apple key (i.e., ⌘) and hold it down for a user-defined amount of time. (I have it set to one second.) Immediately, a screen pops up, showing all the keyboard shortcuts for the current application. This is an amazing way to learn shortcuts and is only a keystroke a way. I find myself using it all the time. It’s not free, but at $14.99, it’s a bargain. (Thanks to Todd correcting me on the price in the comments below.) I highly recommend it. I guarantee it will make your more productive.

Why I Ditched My Tablet PC

Several people have posted comments, asking why I ditched my Tablet PC a couple of months ago. They were particularly interested since last June I purchased a tablet and enthusiastically endorsed it. In addition to the comments, several people emailed me about my experience. So, I have decided to address the issue publicly and put it to rest.

First, I am never fully satisfied with my current tools, whatever they are. I have a high need for variety and thrive on change. Initially, I tend to be enthusiastic and hopeful. Then the gadget loses its fascination and I resume my quest for “the holy technology grail.” So, you have to keep this in mind when you read my blog. Consider yourself warned.

Second, the tablet technology was more conspicuous that I had hoped. I am basically an introvert. (I know, that is hard for some people to believe. However, I have the psych tests to prove it!) I don't like a lot of attention. Every time I pulled out my tablet in a meeting, the new people in the room would “oh and ah” and start pummeling me with questions. (Admitedly, this may not be your experience. As the President of my company, I sometimes think that people feel obligated to take an interest in me. Regardless, it was more attention that I wanted.)

Third, I didn’t feel the tablet features were an improvement over traditional note-taking. Yes, I realize you can search your notes with blinding speed using almost any of the major note-taking applications. I tried Microsoft Journal, OneNote, GoBinder, and EverNote. However, I found that I rarely refer back to my notes. Instead, I take notes to focus my attention and organize my thoughts. I derive most of the value of taking notes while I am in the meeting itself. If there are items that need further attention or follow-up, I flag them. After the meeting, I enter those in Entourage. For those few times when I need to refer back to my notes, I can flip through my notebook pretty quickly. Could I do it faster on a tablet? Probably. But, for me, I found the convenience was offset by the investment of time and energy. Your mileage may vary.

Fourth, I just got frustrated with the Windows operating system. This is the crux of the matter. Ditching my tablet was not so much about the tablet as it was the operating system. I just got tired of fighting with Windows. I switched to the Mac. Previously, I wrote:

The best part of the Mac experience so far is that the technology simply works. I have yet to experience software conflicts, viruses and spyware infections, and endless tinkering and tweaking. Installing a printer, an Apple Airport Express, or some other peripheral is easy and painless. The bottom line is that I am simply spending more time getting real work done. And that’s what I was hoping for by making the switch.

Now, six weeks later, this is still my experience.

My intention here is not to disrespect the tablet or start a debate. I realize, my situation is unique. Perhaps even my experience was unique. Certainly you can find plenty of tablet enthusiasts on the Web. Many of them I count as friends. The tablet works for them, and I'm not arguing that they switch.

Technology is a highly personal thing. You need to find what works for you. After months of use, I found the tablet did not meet my needs. I may feel the same way about the Mac in six months, but, for right now, the Mac is still a joy to use and continues to exceed my expectations.

iPhoto—Almost Perfect

I don't pretend to be a great photographer. I know just enough to be dangerous. However, I really enjoy manipulating the images and creating slide shows for my family. It's amazing what you can do with today's digital cameras and image editing software.

When I was still on my PC, I was using Adobe Photoshop Elements and loving it. I have never used a piece of software that so elegantly balanced power and ease-of-use. I could do just about anything I wanted. However, when I switched to the Mac, I decided to give iPhoto a whirl.

No doubt about it, you can do some very cool things with iPhoto. It is a great album organizer. It is also a wonderful tool for sharing your photos. For example, emailing photos to friends is a snap. I simply select the photos, select Share | Email and the program opens a new mail window in Entourage with all the photos attached. (You can specify your default email program.)

Last night, I wanted to upload some photos of my new two-week year old granddaughter to a Website where my family and friends could enjoy them. I opened a trial membership to .mac (pronounced “dot-mac”), selected the pictures I wanted to upload, chose a “theme” for the Web page, and clicked “Publish.” The whole process took less than 15 minutes.

As satisfying as this experience was, I am not equally happy with the image editing functions of iPhoto. The red eye tool, for example, is very weak—virtually useless. You have very little control over it. You cannot identify the area you want to change other than by clicking in the center of the subject's pupil. The program then decides what to do with the red color. If the color is orange or less than really red, the tool doesn't work. You're simply out of luck.

At first I thought it was just a particular picture. But I had nearly the same experience with every picture I tried. By contrast, I emailed a few of the photos to my wife's computer. She pulled them into Photoshop Elements for Windows and neutralized the subject's red eye with two clicks. This worked with every picture. (The worst part is that she winked at me and said, “Maybe you should switch back to a PC!”) I spent the next hour reading the iPhoto help file pertaining to red eye. I also visited the Apple iPhoto discussion group. Evidently, I wasn't the only one experiencing this problem. Bummer.

So this morning before work I downloaded the trial version of Adobe Photoshop Elements for the Mac and iView Media Pro. The latter looks particularly interesting. However, I don't know if either of them make sharing pictures as easy as iPhoto (especially in terms of emailing photos or uploading to .mac). Another option is to continue to use iPhoto for organizing and sharing and use an external image editor like Elements for image editing. Fortunately, iPhoto provides a way to use an external editor.

If there are other options I should consider, please let me know.