MacGeek Pro

Nowadays, notebook computers are fairly powerful machines. Sure, there is the netbook craze, but I think that is just because of the economy, and let’s face it, the majority of computer users just want to be on the Internet, and not much else.

On the flip side, many notebooks are so powerful they even rival the power of many desktop computers. Some users even choose to use a notebook as their sole computer, as a desktop replacement.

These users, such as myself, spend most of their computing time at their desk. The reason they use a notebook, though, is to have the ability to move to a comfy chair, the sofa, or to a coffee shop. It’s also nice for traveling, since you don’t have to sacrifice the convenience of having all your music, movies, and files with you.

For those long periods at the desk, however, it’s hard to hunch over your desk and peer down at your notebook. This is where the Griffin Elevator comes in.

The Elevator is a stand that raises a notebook computer to eye-level, and also allows room underneath the notebook for air flow, which helps to keep the notebook cool during operation. An added bonus is that the space underneath allows you to store a few things when not in use (like a Wacom Bamboo Fun).

This was a bit of a whimsy on my Christmas list. See, I already had the Griffin iCurve, a polycarbonate plastic stand that the Elevator takes its style from. I added it to my wish list because the Elevator seemed a bit more compact and sturdy.

And it certainly is. I haven’t pulled out the measuring tape or anything, but my desk seems more roomy since switching to the Elevator. And my MacBook doesn’t wobble at all when I get into a typing frenzy.

One note about using a stand like the Elevator. It makes an external keyboard and mouse an absolute must. Otherwise your arms will gets very tired reaching for the built-in keyboard and trackpad.

Also, for Mac users, The Elevator appears to raise the bottom edge of MacBooks (and the Air & Pro) to the bottom edge of an Apple Cinema Display. So this makes a nice addition to dual-screening a notebook.

Just for Fun, Public Service Announcement, Review

It is no secret that I love to take photos. Digital cameras have made photography fun, mostly stress free, and relatively inexpensive. And for people, like me, who hate to wait around for results—it’s instant.

However, one thing I dread doing, especially after a visit to the hometown for a week, is editing. I have long thought a pen tablet would help speed things up, but I just couldn’t justify it as too much of a need to drop the $100.

Well, I can definitely say it does help speed things up. My parents gave me a Wacom Bamboo Fun for Christmas. It definitely makes zooming in and out of pictures, retouching multiple blemishes, and fixing red eye a breeze.

Yet it definitely takes some getting used to. Mousing with a pen is a lot different than mousing with a…um…mouse.

The pen tablet will definitely preside when I am working in iPhoto and Photoshop Elements, but for everything else, I really can’t see me retiring my Apple Mighty Mouse.

Just for Fun, Public Service Announcement, Review

Back in the summer of 2007, Apple released a revamped keyboard with its Aluminum & Glass iMac. This keyboard came in wired and wireless varieties, and it was crazy thin.

Now, as a notebook user, you wouldn’t think I would have need of an external keyboard, as there is one built-in. However, I like to have my numerical pad so I can 10-key. I blame Excel and Business School.

I have long been a fan of Apple’s previous bluetooth wireless keyboard, and have used it for years. The thing is a freaking dirt & dust trap, though. And ever since I bought my MacBook in November of 2006, I’ve loved the chiclet style keys. Switching back and forth between the chiclet keys of my MacBook and the large, clunky keys of my bluetooth keyboard wasn’t always the most enjoyable experience.

The answer to my strife, it seemed, was this new aluminum keyboard, as it adopted the chiclet style keys of the MacBook. And it has built in iTunes control buttons, to boot. So, I thought the wireless aluminum keyboard would be a sure sell.

Wait. There’s no numerical keypad. It has the exact same design as the keyboard built into my MacBook. What. The. Heck.

Oh, look, the wired version is a standard sized keyboard with a number pad. But to go back to wired? Really? Ugh. Such a step backwards.

So I laid off getting a new keyboard and have since stuck with the old-style wireless keyboard.

But I still wanted that sexy thin keyboard with its chiclet keys that are such a joy to type on.

Well, this year, I decided to put it on my Christmas list, and my brother-in-law pulled through. I have gone back to wired, but it isn’t bad. I’ll probably invest in a USB hub soon, as two USB ports on my MacBook just aren’t enough. And Apple crippled the two USB ports on the keyboard itself by only allowing it to drive devices that require more power than a mouse when it’s connected to an iMac.

I have to say, this keyboard is really nice to type on. The key travel is spaced just right, it is effortless to press a key, and because it is so thin, I’m not having to arch my wrists at all, which I think will help with the whole carpel tunnel thing.

Now, hopefully, this will encourage me to write more blog posts. ;)

Apple, Just for Fun, Public Service Announcement, Review

With Apple’s recent transition to using glass with black bezels in many of their products (iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro, iPhone, iPod touch, & 24-inch LED Cinema Display), I was beginning to feel like my site design wasn’t very Apple-esque.

Since this blog is primarily Apple-focused, I sought out for a new theme. The winner is iNove. What I love about this theme is the overall professional look to it. Everything is cleaner and more organized from the previous theme, GlossyBlue. The colors are neutral, the page bar at the top is consolidated and sleek, and the sidebar looks especially nice.

In the past I have consulted with my audience when it comes to design, as you look at it more than I do. I see the WordPress Dashboard more than the actual site. However, this time I felt the theme was just right. It fits, and it reminds me directly of Apple’s current lineup. To me, this theme screams MacBook Pro, therefore being perfect for MacGeek Pro. Dot net.

Just for Fun, Public Service Announcement

Macolantern-Leopard Edition

Originally uploaded by chrisdejabet

The time has come again to unleash the Macolantern, my annual October desktop image! Downloadable here.

I posted this on Flickr last year, but that was when I was running Tiger. So here is the Leopard version. :)

Happy October!

Apple, Celebrate Good Times, Just for Fun, Mac OS X, Public Service Announcement, Rant