Category Archives: technology

Another Crazy Idea

So, my friend [Chris](http://log.chrisbowler.com/) had a headset problem. You see, he had bought this headset to use with Skype, but could not get it working on his Mac. Being that I am a [Macintosh Consultant](http://machinetheods.com) by trade, he reached out to me on [Twitter](http://www.twitter.com) to ask for my advice. I gave it to him, albeit a bit too late and after he already discovered the answer on his own.

Still this got him thinking about the idea that I should find some way to offer remote support. I have been consulting for a long time, my head is filled with years worth of tools, tips and troubleshooting tricks. The technology for me to be able to remotely support a Mac is not only out there but I do this anyway for a few clients already. The only question was how to “sell” that. How does one leverage the goodwill and following I have on [Twitter](http://twitter.com/patrickrhone), [Minimal Mac](http://minimalmac.com), and elsewhere to help get the word out about my business, my remote support service offering, as well as help people who need it? We scheduled a conference call and brainstormed the idea a bit but nothing solid came out right away.

Then, a couple of days ago now, I was having lunch with another friend of mine. He is a really good friend and I value his advice and ideas. Therefore, I mentioned my other conversation about providing remote support. He then mentioned what became another crazy idea – Why not offer Mac support, on Twitter, for free? The thought being that, if I could answer the query on Twitter for free I would do that. If not, I would offer the person the option of getting their issue solved remotely for a reasonable fee.

I fell in love with the idea immediately. I went back to my home office right after lunch, got my business account – [@machinemethods](http://twitter.com/machinemethods) – set up, configured and ready for action. After consulting with Princess Bethany and others about the idea, I launched it the next day. The verdict: Lots of win!

First of all, I really love what I do. I love to help people. I love to come up with solutions to otherwise frustrating problems. I love to be challenged by complicated issues. Furthermore, doing this kind of rapid support, keeps me on my toes and exercises skills and knowledge that I don’t use as often in my regular travels. Finally, doing so with the added constraint of a 140 character limit is a whole lot of fun when it is accomplished. Not only that but, even though it has not resulted in paid business yet, Machine Methods is getting a wealth of exposure and will continue to if I prove that I know what I am doing when it comes to Macs. It has kept me busy but it is not overwhelming (yet). But the few people I have really helped make it all the more worth it.

If you you have a Mac, are on Twitter, and need some support, [have I got a deal for you](http://www.machinemethods.com/twitter/)…

Minimal Audio

Thought I would take a bit to share my absolute favorite minimal audio setup…

What you are looking at here is my iPod 5G connected through the auxiliary jack of my Tivoli PAL radio. This little setup has some great advantages and awesome sound. Obviously, the iPod could be substituted with any other player here. The real story is the PAL.

It is actually kind of magic how Tivoli has managed to make one speaker give rich, warm consistent sound that can fill a room. Don’t just take my word for it, go read some reviews of this thing. The sound is nothing short of amazing. It sounds similar to an old tube system. Not only that but, as you can tell using the iPod as a comparison, it takes up very little space. It is easily “portable” to take on a trip. Also, the PAL has a built in rechargable battery and rubber coated housing designed to be taken outside. Plus, of course, there is the option of unplugging the iPod and just listening to the radio.

If you have a small space and you want a quality sounding audio solution, that is affordable, it is hard to go wrong with this.

Notational Velocity Update

“It is an attempt to loosen the mental blockages to recording information and to scrape away the tartar of convention that handicaps its retrieval. The solution is by nature noncomformist.”

I’ve written about Notational Velocity before. In fact, it was one of the first posts here on Minimal Mac. There is good reason for that. As applications go, it is the very definition of everything I believe minimalist computing should be. It has exactly the features it needs to have, the interface is focussed on the task at hand and driven by the keyboard, and it’s beauty is found in that simplicity.

This is the first update to the program in 5 years. The new version is ripe with new features but the ones added make sense, are useful, and in no way distract from the simple interface and data focussed experience. Some of the new features include:

  • Partial word by word search.
  • The ability to rename a note by long click in the list.
  • The option to save notes a single plain text files versus a database (making them available for Spotlight search)
  • AES Encryption.
  • Multiple column sort.

Most important of all for those that may want to extend or build tools to work with it:

  • Notational Velocity is now a BSD-licensed open source project, and is soliciting contributions from those that wish to help out.

That’s not even half of it. Fellow NV fan indood has posted a more comprehensive list on his site. I don’t even know where to begin on how happy I am about this. It really is an awesome program that just got a whole lot more awesome.

Oh, and the new website is just beautiful. Go. Check this out. Now!