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 David Johnston
Fun
The Mess Mum Didn't See
February 19, 2008
My little brother (pictured) and I were upgrading and repairing a number of computers this afternoon. The resulting mess was so impressive I just had to snap this photograph. Fortunately we had the bulk of this cleaned up before Mum arrived home a few hours later.
Geek surrounded by computer mess
Click for larger image
Apple
Leopard 10.5.2 Update and iSync
February 14, 2008
Whilst I always clean install major OS releases I never bother with point updates, allowing Software Update take care of it. The 10.5.2 update for Leopard is the first update that made me consider that the paranoid practices of those who don't trust Software Update may not be completely unfounded.
After allowing Software Update to bring the system to 10.5.2, iCal lost the URLs to where my calendars where published and iSync would fail to launch. I'm still using the iSync conduit for Palm, so that may have been the reason for my troubles.
Replacing the missing URLs was annoying but easy to do. Fixing iSync involved downloading the 10.5.2 Combo Updater and applying it to the already updated system. As described in this forum:
The combo updater is found at:
I have no idea why this worked, but iSync is again working as it should.
Fun
Trolley Return
February 2, 2008
I like the feeling of "having done right" when I return my trolley as directed. I was so lucky as this trolley return was right behind my parking space.
A shopping trolley matching the orientation of a trolley return sign - upside down
Apple
MacBook Air: more than just a seduction?
January 16, 2008
Whilst there's an immediate appeal to the MacBook Air, people should be aware of a number of facets before purchasing.
  • A glossy screen, flat keys, and a large trackpad are all anti-ergonomic. Touch typists experience difficulty with typing on flat keys (there needs to be an ever-so-slight dip in the surface of each key). And the rest increases strain on eyes, elbows and wrists.

  • Non-expandable RAM, non-accessible battery, a slow 4200 rpm drive (or a AUD$1400 flash drive that will eventually self destruct), no Firewire, ethernet via a dongle using the only USB port, outdated DDR2-667 RAM, and contrary to Apple's claims of having the "latest" Intel CPU, a low-clocked 65nm CPU. And of course the optical drive is an optional add-on.

  • And whilst I appreciate how thin the MacBook Air is, often a more important consideration is width. I still prefer the form factor of the 12-inch PowerBook. (Oh how I miss it!)
I'm glad these notebooks are designed to complement the current MacBooks, and don't replace them. One needs to consider the above and decide if the svelte MacBook Air is right for you—don't allow yourself to be seduced by it's good looks alone.
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