This is the mouse cable trick
Posted by Paul Mayson on April 9, 2008I still use an old Microsoft corded USB optical mouse. Microsoft must have sold millions of these things, and I have at least five in various locations. Maybe it’s charging fatigue, but the last thing I want to deal with is a mouse that blinks at me because the batteries are low. Instead, I opt for this “old school” relic that is cheap and reliable. The only trouble with this is the cord.That’s why people use cordless mice, right? Not having that long tail swirling around your desk to knock over your favorite beverage over to spill on miscellaneous work or the keyboard is the big payoff. Well, when Apple released their new super thin keyboard (USB model of course), I found a decent solution. Tape. Here’s a shot of the keyboard and cordless mouse - not too sloppy (I’m left-handed by the way). I use the USB port on the opposite side of the keyboard. I’m not taking up a valuable port on my monitor or desktop and the cable is under control…
Here’s the magic. The excess cable is bundled all together with Scotch tape and then fastened under the keyboard.
It keeps things nice and clean, while letting me use my cheap, yet comfortable and reliable USB optical mouse. Simple, right?
When does upgrading just get stupid?
Posted by Paul Mayson on March 14, 20087 Gigs of RAM. That should keep all of these open TextMate files humming along.
Could be the MetRx, but I just had to do the upgrade. How much memory is overkill? I think “they say” after 2 GB the law of diminishing returns kicks in.
Surge Protector with USB Charger!
Posted by Paul Mayson on March 12, 2008Finally! A power outlet with USB ports to charge all of those USB devices. This seems like a good thing to have in every kitchen and travel bag.
Finally! A power outlet with USB ports to charge all of those USB devices. This seems like a good thing to have in every kitchen and travel bag.
Until USB ports are built into wall sockets, this is a good alternative. I wonder why I haven’t seen USB ports in other powerstrips? It seems like a natural! Check out the “feature list”:
- 360-degree rotating plug with 4 locking positions
- Provides complete surge protection through all outlets
- Offers compact, lightweight, efficient design
- Features mini-USB cable to charge virtually any USB device—including BlackBerry® and Motorola® RAZR phones
- Comes with Lifetime Product and $75,000 Connected Equipment Warranties
All product details here…
How I spent my Friday - before & after.
Posted by Paul Mayson on March 1, 2008I spent Friday (leap day) helping a client make the transition from the world of Windows to, well, a cleaner world of Windows (and Mac). The transition took just over six hours to clean up, set up, update, transfer, and personalize the new gear.
We started with a Sony VAIO desktop (Windows XP) with a 17″ Dell LCD, HP LaserJet 1020 Printer
This is how the day ended. A 24″ iMac with 2 gigs of RAM
Next we’ll hit those piles of papers and stacks of “stuff”. But the runway is cleared and it’s an awesome setup.
William F. Buckley Jr., 1925-2008
Posted by Paul Mayson on February 27, 2008
Mr. Buckley shown here in the office of his Stamford, Connecticut home in 2005. Obituary and slideshow from The New York Times.
Jonathan Coulton’s Gear on TWiT
Posted by Paul Mayson on February 25, 2008Jonathan “JoCo” Coulton, musician and Internet supa-star, appeared on TWiT this week. Indeed it was a love-fest but Ryan Block from Engadget came through with the goods when he asked “JoCo” about his gear. For anyone looking to quit their day job, shake up the music business, build a dedicated following, and have a career doing what they love, read on.
O.S. Approved Links for Friday, 2-21-08
Posted by Paul Mayson on February 22, 2008Some links we found around the web covering everything from coworking to your dream office…
- It’s Time for Your Dream Office! — youthedesigner.com has a killer article for anyone with a home office that continues to fall short in one area or another. Though I don’t adhere to all the advice (like “Try not to eat in your office”), overall it’s a good list of tips (nice pictures too).
- NYT’s Coworking Article - Don’t have the corporate cubicle? Can’t stand working alone at home? Coffee shop too - well, it’s a coffee shop. Good news! Now you can grab your laptop and shack up with some strangers!
- Blogging Inspirado from Copyblogger - If you’re starting your first blog or on your 50th, check this out. Good stuff to keep in mind this time around.
- Feel good moment… be proud of yourself! This could be your office:
HappyLight fights S.A.D.
Posted by Paul Mayson on February 20, 2008
I recently visited a client in her home office and was intrigued by something called the “HappyLight
Apparently, a number of folks (the manufacturer claims 10%) suffer from a lack of energy, depression, or find their motivation at record lows during the winter months. It’s called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The light is there to deliver “sunlight” without the nasty UV badness.
Being captain curious, I looked up “SAD” and it’s a fairly common thing in not only the U.S. but Ireland, Scandinavia, and Iceland. I don’t think I suffer from this, but maybe I’d be the last to know. I’ve always liked working in a dimmer space and the HappyLight’s glow hurt my eyes. I couldn’t wait to turn it off. Maybe that’s because I’m really just part mole-man.
How do you deal with the winter months? Same as the summer months? Maybe you’re a HappyLight devotee. If so, let’s hear about it!
David Allen at Google
Posted by Paul Mayson on February 18, 2008Did you ever want to sit in on a David Allen seminar to get the GTD skinny from the source? Well, you can! Here’s a seminar he did at Google…
“David Allen speaks on GTD and the two keys to sustaining a healthy life and work style. “
Office tour: Andy Rooney
Posted by Paul Mayson on February 6, 2008Andy Rooney’s organization system would make “GTD’ers” cry in their Moleskine notebooks, but it works for him. The man’s a legend and wildly successful! Your inbox may be at zero and all of your lists have a proper context, but where did it get you? Check out the clip and then stop worrying so much about your how you get things done and just do something…
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