Productivity

Moleskine The Pink Mac

NaNoWriMo Victory 2010!

Good news everyone! On Tuesday I finally completed NaNoWriMo, hitting the 50k word mark making 2010 another NaNo success for me! I know I was away from the blog for the whole month of November, but I actually found this NaNoWriMo a little more difficult than last years. The novel I wrote this year required so much more research than my prior year’s novel and it ended up taking up much of my time just figuring out all the specifics I needed to get my story rolling in certain parts.

This NaNoWriMo, however, was not a complete success for me 🙁 I actually ended up giving up on attempting to write the novel on my iPad a few days into the project. It really wasn’t the iPad’s fault fully. I was having no trouble with the data input, but the issue I had was that I love Scrivener and I wanted to continuously update my novel to a Scrivener file I had created for it and the going back and forth teased me with all the great functions Scrivener has to offer and I ended up forgoing the iPad so that I could write my novel with the Scrivener app. I actually fully attribute my two NaNoWriMo wins to Scrivener because it makes it so easy to write and keep track of your text and your research that it seems silly not to use the program. I really wish that Scrivener would develop an app for the iPad, but I believe Literature & Latte has already come out saying they have no plans to create such an app. Pity, because I have been looking for an Scrivener like substitute to write on my iPad on the go, but nothing seems to be as functional as the true Scrivener application so I have been disappointed each time.

In defense of the iPad as a writing tool, I did find it very useful when I was writing and during my off time when I was researching because it was like having a second computer screen that I could pull up information in. I would frequently find myself sitting with my iPad and my moleskine notebook writing down details for the book that I found online. I also started using the application DropBox for syncing of documents between my iPad and Macbook Pro. My DropBox account served as a backup system for my Scrivener file for the book which was great because I could pull up the document on the iPad and review sections when I wasn’t writing or at my Macbook.

Overall, although this NaNoWriMo was more of a challenge for me, I ended up learning alot and finding some great little tricks for my iPad. I still believe the iPad is a great aid for writers on both short and long form projects, but until the right applications are created that cater to it’s strong points I will have to stick to Scrivener on my Macbook, but I’m okay with that 🙂
Moleskine The Pink Mac

Moleskine Cases for iPad and iPhone to come!

I was so excited when I first saw this yesterday! As you may already know, Moleskine recently released a case line for the Kindle and Kindle DX, but now they are adding to their line iPads and iPhones! This will be the perfect hybrid of Moleskine and iPad and I cannot wait for them to be released. Prices haven’t been announced yet, but since the price of the Kindle DX case is coming in at around $60, I will assume that the iPad case could be no more than $75 dollars. That is quite a hefty price to pay, however, I am sure the die hard Moleskine fans out their will not hesitate to order them once they become available!

I will keep you updated as to my order status!
lifestyle Solutions The Pink Mac

Back to School Tech Tips


With the end of summer nearly upon us, these next few weeks of August will see college and high school students on their way back to the daily grind of classes and coursework. If you are one of the many students heading back to the classroom, you may be in the market for some new tech gear. The start of a new school year has always been ceremoniously entangled with the concept of the “new,” and the prospect of new gadgets can always make for an exciting start. However, if you are one of the many students who will be dragging around an old laptop or iPod, don’t worry, because I have some tips for making your old tech feel new again to get you pumped for your upcoming semester.

Add a little spring to your gadget’s step

Although your laptop may be well equipped with a fast processor and a large hard drive, it may not be as snappy as it once was. This is a common issue with computers in general, but luckily it is an easy issue to fix as it is most likely related to a clogged hard drive. Months or years of accumulating files and viewing web pages can cause your computer to run significantly slower, so to fix the problem, you will need to start cleaning out your files.

1. Start by going through your documents, pictures, music and movie files and getting rid of any files you no longer need. For files you don’t use but need to keep record of, move those to an external hard drive to free up space.

2. Next, try clearing your web browser’s cache. This will take care of old web page information that is stored on your computer and eating up memory. To do this, go to your browser’s preferences or settings and look for the option.

3. Finally, delete unused applications. To do this on a Mac, you simply need to drag the application to the trash can, however, to insure you have removed all the sub files of the application from your hard drive, I suggest downloading an application such as AppCleaner or AppDelete to help you remove all associated files. On a PC, use the application uninstaller in your Control Panel found in ‘Add or Remove Programs’.

4. For an iPod that is beginning to lag, I suggest that you do a factory reset of your device, then, make sure you have the most up to date firmware installed, before restocking your device with new tunes and videos for the school year. Although iPods tend to have a shorter lifespan than laptops, with proper care and maintenance, you can keep yours up and running for a long time. (I still have an iPod Mini from early 2005 in good working condition.)

Give your gear a bath

Although they are electronic devices, computers and mp3 players still need proper cleaning from time to time to keep them not only looking good, but also working well. When dirt or dust gets inside a gadget, it can start causing issues like overheating and lagging that shorten the life of the device. So, a regular cleaning is always a good idea.

1. The first thing to remember before you begin to clean any electronic device is that you must turn the device off. Skipping this step could cause major harm to yourself or the device. So, power down and unplug all wires.

2. I tend to begin cleaning my laptops keyboard area first. This is usually a source of much dust and dirt that should be cleared out of the way first. Use a can of compressed air, or, if you know how to remove your keys individually, do so slowly and carefully. I like to use q tips to get into the nooks and crannies of the keyboard, myself.

3. Next, clean off the casing. Depending on the outer material of your laptop, either plastic or metal, you may want to use a dedicated electronics cleaner like iKlear, but I find that soap and water or antibacterial wipes do a universally good job. If you are using soap and water, just make sure that you only slightly dampen the towel you are using to make sure you don’t get liquid into the delicate parts of your computer.

4. Finally, clean the screen of your computer with an appropriate cleanser. To be prudent, I would check with the manufacture of the computer to see what solvents are safe to use on the computers screen. Although Windex is always a safe bet, you may prefer to use electronic screen wipes or another popular brand of computer screen cleaner if your screen has any sort of sensitive coating.

5. Follow a similar method to clean an iPod or mp3 player, making sure to also clean your earbuds with a q tip or cotton ball slightly moistened with alcohol to remove bacteria.

Update your electronic wardrobe

You’re not the only one who could benefit from a wardrobe upgrade for the new school year. A great way to make your old tech feel new again is with some upgraded cases, covers, and skins. There are a wide variety of retailers that sell these items, most specified to the specific device you own, so I will not list them here, but I will say that a new sleeve for your laptop, or a new case for your iPod can be an inexpensive way to add excitement and interest back to your gear. Not to mention upgrading the protection will extend the life of your device!
lifestyle Solutions tech The Pink Mac

The Pink Mac’s Holiday Gift Guide 2009!

The Pink Mac's Holiday Gift Guide 2009
Now that the holiday season is finally here, it is time for The Pink Mac’s Holiday Gift Guide. This year has been groundbreaking in many ways in regard to consumer electronics, and especially Apple products. We have seen some amazing bumps in product standards and at the same time some big price drops which have made gadgets and accesories even more affordable! So, I have put together a list of some of the best and most interesting Apple related accessories and products out on the market today, taking into consideration quality and price to ensure that you are giving only the best and most unique gifts this season!

Gifts for Mac’s

Hu2 Design Laptop Decals: These vinyl laptop decals are unique and durable; a sure way to brighten up any Mac user’s holiday!

Fabrix Laptop Cases: The usual brand of laptop cases can get boring, so instead, consider Fabrix cases; they’re handmade and made from unique fabric designs that are sure to spread the holiday cheer!

Apple’s Magic Mouse: For any mouse using Mac user in your family, Apple’s Magic Mouse has all the familiar gestures of a trackpad with the functionality of a mouse!

Gifts for iPod’s

iSkin Nanovibes: Give the gift of unique iPod protection with these interesting patterned cases!

Richard Solo 1800 for iPod: For the avid iPod user in your life, consider this backup iPod power source- small and compact- perfect for the ipod user on the go!

Belkin Rockstar: Does your ipod lover like to share their music? Then this is the perfect gift for them, allowing for up to 5 users to experience the tunes!

Apple Sidekicks

Nook: This well designed e-reader looks the part of the Apple lineup, and with it’s simple touch screen design, it puts other e-readers to shame!

Canon Powershot: There is no doubt that Canon makes some of the best compact digital camera’s out on the market, and this compact design is the perfect gift for any photo lover!

Bose Headphones: What is all the great audio technology good for if you can’t experience it full throttle? These bose headphones are compact enough for use at home or on the go and will surely strike a chord with any music or movie lover in your life.

Stocking Stuffers

Monster Screen Cleaner: Keeping your gadget’s LCD screens clean is always important for frequent users, so stuff some of this in their stockings to keep all their gadets looking new!

Pogo Sketch: Whether it is the touch screen of a iPod or trackpad of a Macbook, this inexpensive accessory is a perfect stocking stuffer for your gadget lover, and cheap enough for you to splurge on yourself!

Netflicks Gift Subscription: Who needs on-demand movies and expensive extra channels when, for less than the price of a single DVD, you can have access to an entire movie library and streaming DVDs online?
Solutions tech The Pink Mac

Macbook Pro Display Issue.

So, I have been noticing this weird issue my Macbook Pro has been having- basically, every once in a while when I am on battery power and I leave my computer idle for a while, when I get back the colors on the screen are messed up. This doesn’t happen every time I leave the computer unplugged and out of use, but it has happened a few times and so I wanted to make you guys aware of how to quickly fix it!
Solutions The Pink Mac

Organize your Mac with these 5 Tips!

Now that fall is in full swing, it is the perfect time to organize your digital life. So, I have put together a list of 5 easy to implement tips to help you clean out your computer and reorganize your files, a must on the To Do list of any student, working adult, parent or retiree this season!
{Note: Before you begin the process outlined within this post please make sure to back up your computer files using Time Machine or whichever method you prefer. The tips here are only suggestions and this blog is not responsible for any files you may mistakenly loose or delete in the process of implementing them!}
Let’s begin, shall we…
1. DELETE, DELETE, DELETE
If you want to clean out and reorganize your Mac, the first and best thing to do is delete all unnecessary files, folders, programs, ect, from your hard drive. This could take time depending on how much you have stored on your hard drive and how much you want to erase.
For applications, I recommend using a program like AppCleaner to get rid of the program and all associated systems files in one action. It is a free download, so you might want to hang on to it for future use.
It might also be a good idea for you to clear your Safari cache as well. To do this, open Safari and from the menu select, Safari > Empty Cache > Empty. If you use another web browser you should still be able to do this, but consult their help menu for proper instructions.
2. File Away
After you have deleted the files you no longer need, you must reorganize the ones you still want to keep. Although OS X does a great job of providing a built in organization system for different types of files like movies, photos or documents, it is still up to you to keep these files straight within their selected locations.
For instance, if you took a trip to France and you have a bunch of photo’s just sitting in your Pictures file, organize them by creating a new file called ‘Trip to France’ within Pictures to keep them together for easy location later. It is easier to store photos in a named file then to put names on each individual photo, as you can always add those later after you have them organized into a group.
3. Put it in Storage
There may be some files you want to keep as a backup, but don’t want taking up space on your hard drive, so to solve this problem I use an external hard drive. I do this for all my iMovie projects once I have uploaded them to the web, because I want to keep copies of them as a backup, but I don’t need hundreds of movie files crowding up my hard drive. By storing them on a separate hard drive, I know I can retrieve the files whenever or if ever I need them.
4. Become an Avid Reader
If you’re like me and like to read a wide variety of websites and blogs, you probably also have a mass of links bookmarked in Safari that you just sift through as you’re surfing. Well, to make this process easier and much quicker, you may want to download an RSS/Atom reader like NewsFire.
With this simple application, you can add a long list of RSS feeds and just click through each article you want to read. This saves you the time of having to load up each page and gives you the benefit of having the title of each article laid out so that you can pick and choose which you would want to read without having to scroll through multiple pages of a blog or site. Using a RSS reader like this also gives you the ability to read your favorite sites while you are offline as well, so long as you refresh your feed before you go offline!
5. Get Things Done
Many of us use our computers to organize not only our work but also our family and personal lives simultaneously. This may result, however, in a chaotic mess of information, to do’s, links, recipes and whatever else you need scattered throughout multiple places on your computer.
So, to get all your tasks done and all your information in one place, use a program like iGTD. With iGTD you can organize your tasks by context or projects, separating work tasks, home tasks, family tasks, etc, with a built in organization system of calendars, places for notes, web links, and whatever other information you will need to complete your tasks.
{Congratulations! If you have followed these 5 tips successfully, you now have an organized Mac fit and trim to see you through all the hard work of fall!}
Solutions The Pink Mac

The Right Stuff: The Pink Mac’s Ultimate Guide to Macbook Protection

After painstakingly choosing which type of Macbook you want, the next most difficult decision is how to keep said Macbook protected. There are so many options out there, ranging from no protection to complete protection, and in many different forms, that sometimes it can become difficult to decide. Well, don’t worry, because this easy guide will help you to choose between the many options and levels of protection out there for your Mac.

The Birthday Suit

Perhaps one of the many reasons you decided to purchase one of Apple’s beautiful Macbooks was because you were in love the form and finish of the machine. Perhaps you love the glossy white of the Macbook, or the sleek aluminum of the Macbook Pro and you are not about to cover that up! So, what are your options? Let’s discuss.
Zagg’s Invisible Shield

Leaving your Mac naked is not the best idea to prevent from scratches or dents, but if you want to let the natural beauty and sleek physique of your notebook shine through, you might want to think about using a clear protective film. BodyGuards and Zagg’s Invisible Shield are two highly recommended brands of full body clear protection. These military grade films are easy to install and removable in case you need to, and for about $50 for complete coverage, they are a great way to protect the natural beauty of your machine from scratches. Downside, however, is that they do not protect against dents to aluminum models, so as long as your careful not to bump your Macbook, this protection could work for you.

Sticking to It

So, you bought your Macbook because you are one of those expressive types that likes to show off your individuality, creativity and genius, and the best way to do that is through a computer that is designed just like you. You don’t just want your Macbook to create but you also want it to be a creation. Well, they make an App for that, err…. well, they make as skin for that at least!
GelaSkins makes a full line of protective sticker skins that provide an excellent source of protection for the lid of your Macbook for about $30. Only thing is, it provides no protection to the sides or bottom of your notebook, leaving it vulnerable to scratches and dents. You may want to use this option in conjunction with another form of protection, like a hard shell or one of the previously mentioned protective films. BodyGuardz actually sells their protective films by the piece so you can buy exactly the protection you need.
GelaSkin for Macbook
By the way, if your not happy with the choice of artwork offered at GelaSkins and other similar skin manufacturers, you can always create your own skin at Skinit ($34.95).

Protection, in a nut Shell

Scenario: You purchase a shiny new Macbook pro, stick a nice colorful skin on it to protect it, but one fine day you drop it as you’re pulling it out of your bag. It has only fallen a few inches, but UT OH, you dented it! It is one of the worst things that can happen physically to the aluminum Macbook casing and after checking the machine to make sure it is still working properly, you are left with a fully functional, but physically deformed, Mac.

Speck SeeThru Hard Shell
How could this scenario have been avoided? Well, since the exterior casing of the Macbook is metal, denting is an issue you may run into, but one that can be curtailed to an extent by using a hard shell case. Hard shells are made by a variety of manufacturers, however, the two most popular and highly recommended brands are Speck and Incase. Coming in a variety of colors, these hard shells are an excellent source of dent protection for your Macbook when it comes to short distance falls or things falling onto your laptop. Obviously, a hard shell won’t be able to save your Mac from a drop off a building, but for those everyday accidents, it is not only excellent scratch protection but also amazing shock protection.
These hard shells aren’t just great for the aluminum Macbook models, but they also come in versions for the plastic cased Macbooks as well and for about $50 each, they can be a real case saver!

Wear your Mac in a Sleeve

Whichever level of protection you choose from, you can still always do with a sleeve case for keeping your Mac protected while traveling. Although some sleeves can offer a pretty tight fit like the Contour Design sleeves, others like Incase allow extra room so that you can keep your notebook covered by a skin or a hard shell and still fit it into the case. Some sleeve manufacturers actually design cases that act as both a sleeve for traveling but then also open up to allow the user to work on their Mac while it is still incased by the sleeve. Isis Dei and iSkin are two reputable and well priced manufacturers who allow for this flexibility in their case lineup.
Contour Design rE-versible Sleeve
The best part about sleeve cases is that with so many manufacturers, you are certain to find something that fits your needs and your budget, not to mention your personal style!
Solutions The Pink Mac

Tethering Blackberry Tour to Mac.

So, I found an application that gives Mac users the ability to tether their Blackberry devices to their Macs. TetherBerry, costs about $50 but so far it is the only solution I have found that lets me utilize my mobile broadband plan.
In case you can’t watch the video and still want to know my tips on getting your Blackberry device to tether to your Mac, I am going to provide written directions below.
1. To begin, you will need to download the Tetherberry application on both your Mac and your Blackberry. Follow the link above, select Free Trial, and then choose the Mac Version of the software. From your Blackberry, open the TetherBerry webpage from your browser, select Free Trial, and then follow the URL provided to download the software onto your Blackberry.
2. Once you have successfully downloaded the software onto both your Mac and your Blackberry, go to Options on your Blackberry, then select Memory, and make sure Mass Storage Mode Support is ON and that Auto Enable Mass Storage Mode When Connected is either PROMPT or YES.
3. Next you must connect your Blackberry to your Mac via the USB cable that is provided to you with your Blackberry. At this point it would also be a good idea to check to make sure you are not connected to the internet by any other means. On your Mac, go to System Preferences and select Network. Check to make sure you are not connected to the internet at all before you continue.
4. The next step is to run the TetherBerry GUI on your computer and then also run the TetherBerry application on your Blackberry. You may need to provide your password in order to allow the connection between the Mac and the Blackberry on your computers end.
5. At this point, if everything has gone correctly, the Status of Tetherberry on your computer should say “TetherBerry Connection Active,” and you should see activity in the numbers of Packets and Data Sent and Received. You can also check that you are connected to TetherBerry by going back to the Network settings we visited earlier, where you should see that TetherBerry has an active connection.
6. Test your internet connection by opening up a browser window on your Mac. If it opens in a reasonable amount of time, you are good to go. However, if your browser does not open a new page or you get an error message from your web browser saying you are not connected to the internet, then Exit the TetherBerry Application (you may need to provide your password on your computer again) and then begin again from step 4 until the tethering is successful.
On a side note, the first time I attempted this method, it took me a few times of connecting and reconnecting to the TetherBerry software before my Mac was successfully receiving an internet connection. On subsequent attempts, it takes me two trials of step 4 onward to successfully get a browser page to load.
Solutions The Pink Mac

A Good Idea.

A few months ago, my house was broken into at 2 in the morning when the garage door was accidentally left open. The thief was only in the house for about 10 minutes while we slept upstairs, unaware of what was going on downstairs, until an odd noise woke someone in the house and when they went downstairs to see what was the matter, the thief ran out of the house. They only had enough time to grab a few things, but they ended up taking an HP laptop and an iPod as well as a purse and a container full of change. When I think about that night, I always go back to the question of why we felt safe enough to just leave the laptop sitting out on a table. Had we tucked it away in a desk drawer or someplace of out sight, it most likely wouldn’t have been seen, and therefore wouldn’t have been taken. Since then (although the stolen gadgets weren’t my own) I have learned my lesson and I keep my own tech gadgets hidden away when not in use. I think, however, accessory manufacturers need to come up with some good solutions beyond the traditional heavy wire Kensington locks that are just not practical for everyone.

There was one accessory I found though, that did a good job of being functional and I thought I would share my thoughts with you. The Belkin Laptop Hideaway seems like a great little hiding spot for a laptop. It appears to be nothing but a simple magazine and book holder that a family would keep next to a desk or sofa, but it actually has enough room for a laptop, books and accessories as well. What I like about the design is that it does not draw attention to itself, it seems like a common enough addition to a family room that could hide your tech goodies from strangers who are unfamiliar with your home and no one would think to bother with it. Of course, this hideaway isn’t a sure bet to prevent your laptop from being stolen, but I think it is a good start for a family who can easily tuck their computers away out of sight when not in use. Perhaps this accessory would be a good solution for you, perhaps not, but I just wanted to put it out there that I think people need to do something to protect their gadgets because you never know when you could have a bad situation of your own and loose valuable electronics.
Solutions The Pink Mac

Designing the Perfect Deskscape.

For the past few days I have been working on creating a desktop image that would help me to enter a creative mindset whenever I used my mac. Since I am a sucker for interior design and I love images of desk setups, I decided to create my own fantasy Deskscape filled with elements of my design taste as well as some of my favorite things. The image includes a white tulip table desk, hanging lotus lamp, inspiration board with some of my favorite images, a monthly calendar, my Macbook Pro and an ipod touch. I think this Deskscape is a successful example of my personal style and design influences, and I am very pleased with the affect it is having on me already. I love the idea that my desktop image is a desktop set up itself, so that wherever I take my mac, so goes my fantasy desk top.
I have the full Deskscape image available for download on my Flickr, here. Enjoy and I would love to hear your feedback! I will be making a video on this Deskscape so keep an eye out for that as well!