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.
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.
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!
Office SnapShot: OfficeSpacey
Posted by Paul Mayson on February 3, 2008Seems appropriate that the first featured OfficeSpacey “SnapShot” is my own set up (click it for larger image). Last year we moved out of a tiny Manhattan apartment that had two 10′ x 10′ rooms. One for sleeping, and the other for everything else. In the new living quarters, we have mucho space-o. So much space that I have options. In the last 12 months I have been set up on the first floor (too noisy), then the basement (unfinished and too depressing), and now an empty upstairs bedroom (just right?). I like this the best so far. It’s not as quiet as I’d like, but so far it’s the best option. Here’s the cockpit…
Inspirado.
Posted by Paul Mayson on February 1, 2008Hello, World!
In May 2007, Time Magazine featured a photo of an office-bound Vice President Al Gore, and it landed on a ton of different websites. The productivity folks at Lifehacker, the Engadget set, the Apple faithful, and interior designers basked in the glow of the Vice President’s monitors while close to 2000 Diggers dug away. Who am I to not get caught up in the wonder that is Al’s office?
For the past 7 years I’ve advised a group of clients on technology helping them choose the right gear and set it up, organize their offices and systems, and put together websites that they could update, maintain, and use to promote their work. So when a photo like this comes along, it’s not just a fun, “make your own caption” opportunity, it’s a case study. Even typing this post, I glaze over at the mountains of paper and the three 30″ displays.
The great thing: I wasn’t alone. Read more
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