Friday, February 18, 2005
Everyday Apps
Recently I noted that one of the first items to analyze in determining whether the Mac fits your needs are the computer applications that you use every day. Then I thought that I have never mentioned the ones I personally use. So here is the list.
| Application | Use |
| Every day: | |
| Microsoft Entourage | |
| Safari | Web browser |
| LinkMaster | Web bookmark manager |
| iTunes | Music manager |
| NewsFire | RSS reader |
| Microsoft Word | Word processor |
| iChat | IM client |
| Griffin RadioShark | Radio/recorder |
| iCal | Calendar app |
| Every week: | |
| Palm Desktop | Palm desktop client |
| Quicken | Financial software |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet |
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Another vote for Entourage (vs. Outlook)
My last posting disputed Walt Mossberg's claim that Entourage (the Microsoft e-mail program for Mac) is inferior to MS Outlook (for Windows). As I suspected, I am not alone in this thinking. In an article on his personal productivity, respected author David Pogue states:
Enough said.
6. I know that this will rankle all the Apple bashers, but I do most of my work in Mac OS X. I therefore spend zero time on viruses, spyware, maintenance and all those other typical computer time drains. I also use Microsoft Entourage, an e-mail program for the Mac that I consider head and shoulders above Outlook.
Enough said.
The Mac may not be for you.
Today's Walt Mossberg article, While Switching to Mac Will Improve Security, It Isn't for Everybody has a true hypothesis, but I disagree with several of Walt’s assertions. The following is my take:
I don't understand this argument. So your Mac VPC is as susceptible to spyware and virus as a real PC. You are screwed using Windows either way. This is not a reason to switch or not switch. Regarding speed you need to evaluate what PC applications you use at the same time. For many, like web browsers, RSS readers, etc., you will use Mac program. The Mac has no problem running many applications at the same time (while running VPC).
I like Outlook but am not sure Walt took a long look at Entourage. Entourage is a powerful e-mail app. In some areas it is better than Outlook and in other less so than Outlook. If you are a corporate user that has custom additions to Outlook, you will need to stick with Outlook. If you use corporate scheduling you may need to stick with Outlook. Otherwise you may find, like me, that you really like Entourage. Particularly good in Entourage is spam-filtering and rules.
What? Quicken on the Mac is great. In general Quicken (both Windows and Mac) is a very good software program. But, Quicken Mac is a joy to use. Without specific reference to financial-analsiis and stock-trading program, it is hard to comment on whether Mac alternatives are not available.
As a PowerBook fanatic, I strongly disagree. Many “power’ users also travel. These users want a powerful “desktop replacement” laptop. Also few people can afford to have their expensive laptop as an accessory to a desktop computer. Therefore a person’s laptop becomes their main computer. While it is true that you can find lighter and smaller PCs, these have feature limitations. For full-powered laptop computers it is hard to beat a Mac PowerBook for size and weight. For example, what is the lightest PC you can find that can burn a DVD? I have found the majority of laptop user take at least some steps to care for their laptop. This includes having some sort of carrying case. When you add the carrying case, AC adapter, etc., there is little advantage to the ultralight laptops.
Remember the Mac is different. Which is one reason it may be better. It it wrong to judge it solely based on whether a particular application has a Mac version. In most cases, what matters is if the applications function is available in a Mac application. In many cases a Mac application that performs a specific function is more user-friendly and powerful than a similar PC application. This may be a reason that many graphics professionals use Apple Macs.
Each individual needs to purchase to correct computer for their needs, desires, and economic situation. One criteria I use for software is whether the software application is used in my business or personally. So, while realtively expensive, Microsoft Office 2004 for the Mac, is something I justify for business. Other’s may have alternative scenarios. Let’s use a PC database program for example. On the PC, the class leader is Microsoft Access. MS Access is not available for the Mac. But MS Access 2003 cost $230. If you are a casual database user, you could use something like MySQL (available free for personal use on the Mac). In fact, many great shareware or free software applications are available for the Mac.
I will repeat what I have said many times. For the potential switcher, you first need to analyze your needs. This is easily done by noting software applications/functions you use every day. Then do the same for apps you use every week. Like most you will find things like e-mail, web-browsing, etc. But, different people will have far different needs. A web-designer will use a Web-page editor every day but may never need a programming environment. Conversely a programmer may need a specific coding environment. At this point determine what Mac applications will accomplish these needs. If there is a disconnect than that may make your decision for you. After your absolute needs and most used application, think about what you would “like” to do. Want to save your “home movies” on DVD? iMovie and iDVD may be for you. Sophisticated photo editing, Adobe Photoshop Elements (available for Windows or Mac) may do the trick. Particularly if you want to get into the functions included in the “iLIfe” software the Mac may be for you.
Finally, I would be lax if I do not incude my other often repeated statement. Virtual PC works well but is not a complete substitute for a real PC. If you have a critical need that is only available in a PC application you will be better served by a Windows PC. if I used MS Access every day I would want a Windows PC. If I was a corporate employee whose company mandated an application that was only available on a PC I would buy a Windows PC.
"You can enable a Mac to run Windows programs by buying a $240 program from Microsoft called Virtual PC. It creates a pseudo Windows computer on a portion of a Mac's hard disk. But I don't recommend relying on Virtual PC if you use multiple Windows programs frequently, because it's slow and susceptible to the same viruses and spyware as a real Windows PC."
I don't understand this argument. So your Mac VPC is as susceptible to spyware and virus as a real PC. You are screwed using Windows either way. This is not a reason to switch or not switch. Regarding speed you need to evaluate what PC applications you use at the same time. For many, like web browsers, RSS readers, etc., you will use Mac program. The Mac has no problem running many applications at the same time (while running VPC).
"If you love Microsoft Outlook, you should also probably stick with Windows. There is no version of Outlook for the current Mac operating system. Instead, Microsoft includes an e-mail and organizer program called Entourage in the Mac version of Office. It's similar to Outlook but just different enough to bug Outlook lovers."
I like Outlook but am not sure Walt took a long look at Entourage. Entourage is a powerful e-mail app. In some areas it is better than Outlook and in other less so than Outlook. If you are a corporate user that has custom additions to Outlook, you will need to stick with Outlook. If you use corporate scheduling you may need to stick with Outlook. Otherwise you may find, like me, that you really like Entourage. Particularly good in Entourage is spam-filtering and rules.
"People who rely heavily on financial software may be unhappy with the Mac. Microsoft Money doesn't come in a Mac version. The Mac version of Quicken isn't identical to the Windows product, and converting Windows Quicken data to the Mac is a bear. Many specialized financial-analysis and stock-trading programs aren't available for Mac."
What? Quicken on the Mac is great. In general Quicken (both Windows and Mac) is a very good software program. But, Quicken Mac is a joy to use. Without specific reference to financial-analsiis and stock-trading program, it is hard to comment on whether Mac alternatives are not available.
"If you need an ultralight laptop for traveling, you're out of luck with Apple. The Mac laptops are great, but the lightest one weighs 4.6 pounds, compared with three pounds or less on the Windows side,"
As a PowerBook fanatic, I strongly disagree. Many “power’ users also travel. These users want a powerful “desktop replacement” laptop. Also few people can afford to have their expensive laptop as an accessory to a desktop computer. Therefore a person’s laptop becomes their main computer. While it is true that you can find lighter and smaller PCs, these have feature limitations. For full-powered laptop computers it is hard to beat a Mac PowerBook for size and weight. For example, what is the lightest PC you can find that can burn a DVD? I have found the majority of laptop user take at least some steps to care for their laptop. This includes having some sort of carrying case. When you add the carrying case, AC adapter, etc., there is little advantage to the ultralight laptops.
Remember the Mac is different. Which is one reason it may be better. It it wrong to judge it solely based on whether a particular application has a Mac version. In most cases, what matters is if the applications function is available in a Mac application. In many cases a Mac application that performs a specific function is more user-friendly and powerful than a similar PC application. This may be a reason that many graphics professionals use Apple Macs.
Each individual needs to purchase to correct computer for their needs, desires, and economic situation. One criteria I use for software is whether the software application is used in my business or personally. So, while realtively expensive, Microsoft Office 2004 for the Mac, is something I justify for business. Other’s may have alternative scenarios. Let’s use a PC database program for example. On the PC, the class leader is Microsoft Access. MS Access is not available for the Mac. But MS Access 2003 cost $230. If you are a casual database user, you could use something like MySQL (available free for personal use on the Mac). In fact, many great shareware or free software applications are available for the Mac.
I will repeat what I have said many times. For the potential switcher, you first need to analyze your needs. This is easily done by noting software applications/functions you use every day. Then do the same for apps you use every week. Like most you will find things like e-mail, web-browsing, etc. But, different people will have far different needs. A web-designer will use a Web-page editor every day but may never need a programming environment. Conversely a programmer may need a specific coding environment. At this point determine what Mac applications will accomplish these needs. If there is a disconnect than that may make your decision for you. After your absolute needs and most used application, think about what you would “like” to do. Want to save your “home movies” on DVD? iMovie and iDVD may be for you. Sophisticated photo editing, Adobe Photoshop Elements (available for Windows or Mac) may do the trick. Particularly if you want to get into the functions included in the “iLIfe” software the Mac may be for you.
Finally, I would be lax if I do not incude my other often repeated statement. Virtual PC works well but is not a complete substitute for a real PC. If you have a critical need that is only available in a PC application you will be better served by a Windows PC. if I used MS Access every day I would want a Windows PC. If I was a corporate employee whose company mandated an application that was only available on a PC I would buy a Windows PC.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Works Great, Less Filling
Recently I posted about the cool feature on PowerBooks letting you drive two monitor's at once. As typical, late (as I have had all the needed equipment forever) I have found another great use for the dual monitor setup. Run Virtual PC (VPC) emulating Windows on the external CRT and do your Mac OS X work on the main screen.
On the external CRT: I have set up my Virtual PC window to be full screen on the extra monitor. This makes it look exactly like a Windows PC. Windows 2000 in my case.
On the laptop screen: I run my regular OS X desktop, dock, and applications.
There are obviously good uses for this configuration. Here are two. For Web Page development, I can see how my page will display in both the Mac and PC world. Even Internet Explorer behaves different on a PC and the Mac version. For business documents (such as MS Word and MS Excel) I use Office 2004 for the Mac. Now I can easily confirm how they will appear to my clients who use Windows PCs. Please note, I have found compatibility between the Mac versions of the Office apps excellent and rarely have a problem.
A great feature of VPC is the ability to drag and drop. So typically I create my file (like an Excel document) and then just drag it to my Windows desktop (in VPC). Now I can double-click it and open it. Can't be much easier. Although I can map my Mac folders to allow direct opening from VPC I choose not to. This gives me extra comfort that the nasty viruses that plague the Windows world will not touch my Mac environment.
Regarding Virtual PC. When I first switched over to the Mac platform I felt that Virtual PC was a necessity. Over time I find myself using it less and less. It is a costly application. I believe that it is only worthwhile for business users. I am confident that any Mac users will choose to use native Mac application when available. The Mac versions of MS Office are very good. As noted before there are some applications that are not available for the Mac. One notable one is MS Access database. While alternative database solutions are available for the Mac they are generally not as good.
On the external CRT: I have set up my Virtual PC window to be full screen on the extra monitor. This makes it look exactly like a Windows PC. Windows 2000 in my case.
On the laptop screen: I run my regular OS X desktop, dock, and applications.
There are obviously good uses for this configuration. Here are two. For Web Page development, I can see how my page will display in both the Mac and PC world. Even Internet Explorer behaves different on a PC and the Mac version. For business documents (such as MS Word and MS Excel) I use Office 2004 for the Mac. Now I can easily confirm how they will appear to my clients who use Windows PCs. Please note, I have found compatibility between the Mac versions of the Office apps excellent and rarely have a problem.
A great feature of VPC is the ability to drag and drop. So typically I create my file (like an Excel document) and then just drag it to my Windows desktop (in VPC). Now I can double-click it and open it. Can't be much easier. Although I can map my Mac folders to allow direct opening from VPC I choose not to. This gives me extra comfort that the nasty viruses that plague the Windows world will not touch my Mac environment.
Regarding Virtual PC. When I first switched over to the Mac platform I felt that Virtual PC was a necessity. Over time I find myself using it less and less. It is a costly application. I believe that it is only worthwhile for business users. I am confident that any Mac users will choose to use native Mac application when available. The Mac versions of MS Office are very good. As noted before there are some applications that are not available for the Mac. One notable one is MS Access database. While alternative database solutions are available for the Mac they are generally not as good.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Rockin' out
For those of you in to music like me, I hope you got the opportunity to see Meilissa Etheridge and Joss Stone's tribute to Janis Joplin at this years Grammy Awards (Sunday, Feb. 13). Both ladies looked absolutely stunning, but looks took back stage to a truly phenomenal performance.
Joss opened with "Cry, Baby" then Melissa transitioned into "Piece of My Heart, closing out with both women singing.
If you missed it up, hit up friends to find a video copy. Well worth watching and listening.
Joss opened with "Cry, Baby" then Melissa transitioned into "Piece of My Heart, closing out with both women singing.
If you missed it up, hit up friends to find a video copy. Well worth watching and listening.
AppleScript Book that Fills the Gap
AppleScript: The Missing Manual by Adam Goldstein succeeds in avoiding the failing of most computer books. The problem with the typical computer book is that it falls into one of two types: a tutorial, too short on information to be worth the price, or a lengthy tome (usually written by a computer programmer) that is far too detailed to be readable. AppleScript: The Missing Manual excels in providing a wealth of information in an easily readable manner and lives up to the “the missing manual” identifier.
AppleScript is generally described as a simple but powerful script programming language that reads like simple English. While this is true, the simple, short but powerful, and easy to read example scripts lulls many users. The truth is that while the finished product is easy to read, AppleScript is a “finicky” language that requires exact wording. There has been a lack of good books on AppleScript and even a shortage of online information on the Internet. Inexplicably, unlike the Apple norm, Apple’s documentation on AppleScript is very poorly organized and generally cryptic. Mr. Goldstein’s book is welcome relief in the large void.
Many computer books just provide information that can easily be encompassed in a short tutorial. So why bother paying the price of the book when you can easily access similar information for free on the Internet? On the other side of the scale, other computer books fail by including too much esoteric information in far too technical language. How many times do you need to read a discussion on whether a programming item fit the academic criteria of being “object-oriented”? Mr. Goldstein’ book contains more information and is more complete than a tutorial while not overloading you with too much information. Any moderately computer literate Mac user should be able to easily read AppleScript: The Missing Manual.
This book comprises three sections: Part One: AppleScript Overview. Part Two: Everyday Scripting Tasks. Part Three: Power User Features. Broken down here is what is provided. The first part introduces and explains the use of AppleScript and the tools available. The second part provides a comprehensive review of the typical uses of AppleScript (i.e. Manipulating text, working with files, etc.). Finally, part three adds additional examples of more sophisticated use of AppleScript to control your computer.
Throughout the book, Mr. Goldstein offers script program examples that effectively illustrate ideas but are short enough to be easily understandable. I am sure that you will refer to these well after reading the book. The book also documents many hidden features and gems available in Mac OS X and AppleScript. How else would you discover the hidden “Image Events” application that allows you to script image file conversions easily? Another example is the book contains a very concise and good explanation of the difference between POSIX and alias file path naming conventions used by AppleScript.
The one shortcoming of AppleScript: The Missing Manual is the lack of a reference to the AppleScript script language. The book does a wonderful job of incrementally adding AppleScript statements and operators from chapter to chapter to aid learning AppleScript. But if you need to look up a specific syntax of AppleScript command you may be out of luck.
I highly recommend this book to any Apple Mac user. For the newly initiated AppleScript writer the many examples will introduce the opportunities to write simple and powerful scripts that automate repetitive tasks or accomplish more complex task. For experienced AppleScripter’s, I am confident you will learn hidden features that will make your scripting tasks easier. A big plus of AppleScript is that it a great tool for some tasks. After reading this book you will easy recognize tasks that can benefit from a little AppleScript.
AppleScript is generally described as a simple but powerful script programming language that reads like simple English. While this is true, the simple, short but powerful, and easy to read example scripts lulls many users. The truth is that while the finished product is easy to read, AppleScript is a “finicky” language that requires exact wording. There has been a lack of good books on AppleScript and even a shortage of online information on the Internet. Inexplicably, unlike the Apple norm, Apple’s documentation on AppleScript is very poorly organized and generally cryptic. Mr. Goldstein’s book is welcome relief in the large void.
Many computer books just provide information that can easily be encompassed in a short tutorial. So why bother paying the price of the book when you can easily access similar information for free on the Internet? On the other side of the scale, other computer books fail by including too much esoteric information in far too technical language. How many times do you need to read a discussion on whether a programming item fit the academic criteria of being “object-oriented”? Mr. Goldstein’ book contains more information and is more complete than a tutorial while not overloading you with too much information. Any moderately computer literate Mac user should be able to easily read AppleScript: The Missing Manual.
This book comprises three sections: Part One: AppleScript Overview. Part Two: Everyday Scripting Tasks. Part Three: Power User Features. Broken down here is what is provided. The first part introduces and explains the use of AppleScript and the tools available. The second part provides a comprehensive review of the typical uses of AppleScript (i.e. Manipulating text, working with files, etc.). Finally, part three adds additional examples of more sophisticated use of AppleScript to control your computer.
Throughout the book, Mr. Goldstein offers script program examples that effectively illustrate ideas but are short enough to be easily understandable. I am sure that you will refer to these well after reading the book. The book also documents many hidden features and gems available in Mac OS X and AppleScript. How else would you discover the hidden “Image Events” application that allows you to script image file conversions easily? Another example is the book contains a very concise and good explanation of the difference between POSIX and alias file path naming conventions used by AppleScript.
The one shortcoming of AppleScript: The Missing Manual is the lack of a reference to the AppleScript script language. The book does a wonderful job of incrementally adding AppleScript statements and operators from chapter to chapter to aid learning AppleScript. But if you need to look up a specific syntax of AppleScript command you may be out of luck.
I highly recommend this book to any Apple Mac user. For the newly initiated AppleScript writer the many examples will introduce the opportunities to write simple and powerful scripts that automate repetitive tasks or accomplish more complex task. For experienced AppleScripter’s, I am confident you will learn hidden features that will make your scripting tasks easier. A big plus of AppleScript is that it a great tool for some tasks. After reading this book you will easy recognize tasks that can benefit from a little AppleScript.
Mac features that you can use
Today i was reminded about a couple of cool Mac PowerBook features that are available for (almost) free.
Connecting to a second monitor
I am a huge fan of laptop computers and generally just use my laptop as "desktop replacement". But recently I pulled out a flat-screen CRT that I had lying around, plugged it in, and connected it to my PowerBook (with the digital-to-analog converter that came free with my PowerBook). Presto, the Mac recognized the extra monitor and started driving both the attached LCD screen and the CRT. Can't get any easier than that. For the uninitiated, the Mac had two modes in using the extra screen. First you can "mirror". With this mode everything is displayed on both screens. The second mode uses the extra monitor as extra desktop. In this mode I can view several windows on one screen and work with other windows on the other monitor. Even with an analog CRT, resolution is good (although not near as good as the built-in LCD screen). Regardless two screen on one computer opens up opportunities like reviewing help documentation while working in a development environment without switching windows.
Recording audio
Today I wanted to record the audio from a show that I recorded on my HD digital video recorder (DVR). Simple. Add a simple cable (Monster cable) from the audio out jacks on the DVR into the audio input of the PowerBook. Now using two programs from Rogue Amoeba and I am recording the audio out of the DVR directly to my Mac. The first program (free) called LineIn captures the input from the line in and sends it to the standard output. The second, truly great, program is Audio Hijack. Audio Hijack allows you to capture the sound input from any Mac program (and in this case LineIn) and save it to a file. Audio Hijack has many useful options. The program is available in a fully functioning demo and is well worth the $16 price. Audio Hijack is also a great way to record the many "internet" stream cast that you run into.
Connecting to a second monitor
I am a huge fan of laptop computers and generally just use my laptop as "desktop replacement". But recently I pulled out a flat-screen CRT that I had lying around, plugged it in, and connected it to my PowerBook (with the digital-to-analog converter that came free with my PowerBook). Presto, the Mac recognized the extra monitor and started driving both the attached LCD screen and the CRT. Can't get any easier than that. For the uninitiated, the Mac had two modes in using the extra screen. First you can "mirror". With this mode everything is displayed on both screens. The second mode uses the extra monitor as extra desktop. In this mode I can view several windows on one screen and work with other windows on the other monitor. Even with an analog CRT, resolution is good (although not near as good as the built-in LCD screen). Regardless two screen on one computer opens up opportunities like reviewing help documentation while working in a development environment without switching windows.
Recording audio
Today I wanted to record the audio from a show that I recorded on my HD digital video recorder (DVR). Simple. Add a simple cable (Monster cable) from the audio out jacks on the DVR into the audio input of the PowerBook. Now using two programs from Rogue Amoeba and I am recording the audio out of the DVR directly to my Mac. The first program (free) called LineIn captures the input from the line in and sends it to the standard output. The second, truly great, program is Audio Hijack. Audio Hijack allows you to capture the sound input from any Mac program (and in this case LineIn) and save it to a file. Audio Hijack has many useful options. The program is available in a fully functioning demo and is well worth the $16 price. Audio Hijack is also a great way to record the many "internet" stream cast that you run into.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Apple Pages - Update
As noted before I am trying out the new Apple iWork software (Keynote 2 and Pages).
Colorsync
A very early and significant finding is that you must use Colorsync when printing or your printout will look terrible. This is opposed to Microsoft Word which prints well in most cases. With colorsync the prints from Pages look good.
Page-layout vs. Word Processing
Well, as expected and noted Pages is more "page-layout" than word processor. My initial feel is that anyone trying to use Pages for medium to large sized word processing projects will be sorely disappointed. The page layout paradigm is so much different that doing things using the two different applications (Pages and Word) is much different. Don't expect to take your honed MS Word skills and immediately implement them in Pages.
Example: Making greeting cards
One of the things I like to do is make my own, personalized birthday and greeting cards. Besides being extremely economical and time saving I have been able to make special cards for many occasions. While there are any number of ways to create the cards I mostly make them in MS Word. This allows me full control of the images, graphics, and text. (Note the images may be preprocessed in Photoshop Elements and lately, Macromedia Fireworks). I have made some simple Word templates that let me drop in the image (front side) and text (back side of the card). To make the card I print the front, turn the paper over, and then print the back side. Fold, cut, and viola, you have a finished card. For my latest card I tried two things. First I used iPhoto 5 to print the front side image using the "greeting card" layout. While this worked okay, it is very limiting. Second, I used Pages to do the entire card. While it worked in Pages, it is easier in MS Word.
Setting up your document
Now both Pages and Word have a problem setting the document to use an entire 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. Even though my printer is capable of printing "borderless" both programs will not let you set everything to the edges of the paper. This is somewhat troubling as the easiest way to get your printed objects to print in the correct place is to insert a table and put your text and objects in the correct cell. The ways to work around are different in both programs. Pages take many more steps.
Handling images
Without going into detail, which would require a lengthy tutorial. To me it appears that Pages is also more limited in how you handle images. In pages you can set an image in a cell to one of four size settings with no option is positioning it or aligning it in the cell. With MS Word you have full control on the size and positioning.
Tables within tables
Another example of the differences in the two programs is in MS Word a table can contain another table. Imagine a page split into to four cells. Now have one of the cells contain a table with a number of rows and columns. You can not do this in Pages easily.
Easy to use?
Sadly, one of my hopes for Pages was that it would be easier for school-age children to learn. MS Word is behemoth that while easy to do the basic stuff in can frustrate you to no end to get certain things accomplished. No joy with Pages; while initially probably easier, difficult layout problems are impossible or very, very hard to accomplish.
Bottom-line
So, my current bottom-line analysis is: 1. Pages is still too hard for youngsters. 2. Pages is good if you are content to use the relatively few templates that Apple provides and not stray. 3. For heavy word processing or full creative layout MS Word still works much better. 4. If you are going to have both MS Word and Pages you will probably be better off using Word the majority of the time. 5. If you are only going to have one app (and can afford it) go with MS Word. I will continue to work with Pages and update you as I note good and bad findings.
Colorsync
A very early and significant finding is that you must use Colorsync when printing or your printout will look terrible. This is opposed to Microsoft Word which prints well in most cases. With colorsync the prints from Pages look good.
Page-layout vs. Word Processing
Well, as expected and noted Pages is more "page-layout" than word processor. My initial feel is that anyone trying to use Pages for medium to large sized word processing projects will be sorely disappointed. The page layout paradigm is so much different that doing things using the two different applications (Pages and Word) is much different. Don't expect to take your honed MS Word skills and immediately implement them in Pages.
Example: Making greeting cards
One of the things I like to do is make my own, personalized birthday and greeting cards. Besides being extremely economical and time saving I have been able to make special cards for many occasions. While there are any number of ways to create the cards I mostly make them in MS Word. This allows me full control of the images, graphics, and text. (Note the images may be preprocessed in Photoshop Elements and lately, Macromedia Fireworks). I have made some simple Word templates that let me drop in the image (front side) and text (back side of the card). To make the card I print the front, turn the paper over, and then print the back side. Fold, cut, and viola, you have a finished card. For my latest card I tried two things. First I used iPhoto 5 to print the front side image using the "greeting card" layout. While this worked okay, it is very limiting. Second, I used Pages to do the entire card. While it worked in Pages, it is easier in MS Word.
Setting up your document
Now both Pages and Word have a problem setting the document to use an entire 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. Even though my printer is capable of printing "borderless" both programs will not let you set everything to the edges of the paper. This is somewhat troubling as the easiest way to get your printed objects to print in the correct place is to insert a table and put your text and objects in the correct cell. The ways to work around are different in both programs. Pages take many more steps.
Handling images
Without going into detail, which would require a lengthy tutorial. To me it appears that Pages is also more limited in how you handle images. In pages you can set an image in a cell to one of four size settings with no option is positioning it or aligning it in the cell. With MS Word you have full control on the size and positioning.
Tables within tables
Another example of the differences in the two programs is in MS Word a table can contain another table. Imagine a page split into to four cells. Now have one of the cells contain a table with a number of rows and columns. You can not do this in Pages easily.
Easy to use?
Sadly, one of my hopes for Pages was that it would be easier for school-age children to learn. MS Word is behemoth that while easy to do the basic stuff in can frustrate you to no end to get certain things accomplished. No joy with Pages; while initially probably easier, difficult layout problems are impossible or very, very hard to accomplish.
Bottom-line
So, my current bottom-line analysis is: 1. Pages is still too hard for youngsters. 2. Pages is good if you are content to use the relatively few templates that Apple provides and not stray. 3. For heavy word processing or full creative layout MS Word still works much better. 4. If you are going to have both MS Word and Pages you will probably be better off using Word the majority of the time. 5. If you are only going to have one app (and can afford it) go with MS Word. I will continue to work with Pages and update you as I note good and bad findings.
Friday, February 04, 2005
Spreading the Gospel
Just a Mac Evangelist spreading the gospel. Hallelujah!
Read Why Does Windows Still Suck?
Why do PC users put up with so many viruses and worms? Why isn't everyone on a Mac?
Read Why Does Windows Still Suck?
Why do PC users put up with so many viruses and worms? Why isn't everyone on a Mac?
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Time Warner Speed Increase
i am the happy customer of Time Warner/Road Runner (TW) for my cable internet access. This broadband service has consistently worked well for me over a year. The other day a friend of mine indicated that he had heard that TW in Kansas City had upgraded the internet service. The new service provides a speed increase. To test he suggested that I run a "bandwidth" speed check before and after the update.
To get the update to your cable modem you must "power cycle" you cable modem. This is done by disconnecting you cable modem from power for a short period (10 minutes will definitely do it) and then plugging the modem back in.
Prior to the update my speed test speed test from Time Warner clocked around 2.8 mbps. After the change the same test clocked around 3.2 mbps. I note that at the same time that TW's test clocked 3.2 mbps, Bandwidth place's speed test clocked 2.7-2.8 mbps. Not surprising that TW's test is a little optimistic.
Regardless, the cable internet speed is good and enables a good internet experience. I have not complaints about the speed. In fact for a extra $26 a month TW offers increased speed. I think this is not worth the cost. If you are a TW cable internet customer, do the cable modem update. Any free speed increase is worthwhile.
Longtime acquaintances will note that I clung on to dial-up access for many years. While several years ago this was acceptable, it would no longer work. I download 10s to 100s of megabytes of information every day (with many downloads in the 20MB range). This would not be possible on dial-up access.
To get the update to your cable modem you must "power cycle" you cable modem. This is done by disconnecting you cable modem from power for a short period (10 minutes will definitely do it) and then plugging the modem back in.
Prior to the update my speed test speed test from Time Warner clocked around 2.8 mbps. After the change the same test clocked around 3.2 mbps. I note that at the same time that TW's test clocked 3.2 mbps, Bandwidth place's speed test clocked 2.7-2.8 mbps. Not surprising that TW's test is a little optimistic.
Regardless, the cable internet speed is good and enables a good internet experience. I have not complaints about the speed. In fact for a extra $26 a month TW offers increased speed. I think this is not worth the cost. If you are a TW cable internet customer, do the cable modem update. Any free speed increase is worthwhile.
Longtime acquaintances will note that I clung on to dial-up access for many years. While several years ago this was acceptable, it would no longer work. I download 10s to 100s of megabytes of information every day (with many downloads in the 20MB range). This would not be possible on dial-up access.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Chipotle Rocks!
I had lunch at Chipotle today. Surprise, surprise, as I eat there almost every day. Had the thought that I can never say enough good things about Chipotle. I have eaten at their restaurants hundreds (thousands?) of time, and every experience has been great. No other restaurant come close to doing it as right as these guys. The food is always good and fresh. I have never had to take something back.
Most importantly, the Chipotle employees are incredible friendly and as a regular you are quickly taken into the "Chipotle community". The food is great and experience "well-done".
Most importantly, the Chipotle employees are incredible friendly and as a regular you are quickly taken into the "Chipotle community". The food is great and experience "well-done".
