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Ergonomic Keyboards For Mac
About My Power Mac G5 V/S The New The New 24" Display Screen
White MacBook
Canadian RAM Supplier
Connecting an Old and a New Mac AFP
Mac OS X 10.5.2: Time Machine problems? - OS X Odyssey 911






Ergonomic Keyboards For Mac

From Melissa;

Hi-

I read a great 2002 review by you on ergonomic keyboards but am wondering if you have any more recent reviews? I too have fibromyalgia and some neuropathy and really need to do something about keyboard/mouse issues (i'm 5'3" and so body size is factor too) - and while I'm at it - any good reviews of ergonomic computer desk chairs??

Thanks ever so much,

Melissa

___

Hi Melissa;

Thanks for remembering.

The only specifically ergonomic keyboard I've reviewed recently is the GoldTouch Go! Travel Keyboard. YOu can check that out here:
http://www.pbcentral.com/columns/hildreth_moore/gtgo.shtml

Personally, for the past several years I've pretty much settled on the Kensington SlimType keyboard, which is not pitched as an "Ergonomic" 'board, but which I find the most comfortable freestanding keyboard I've ever used.

My Applelinks review is here:
http://tinyurl.com/3j7n7e

The SlimType also has the welcome advantage of being inexpensive, and Dell sometimes offers a PC labeled version at a discount in their flyers.

Also worth considering are the DiNovo for Mac keyboards from Logitech, which have a nice action and also look drop-dead gorgeous.

You can find reviews here (DiNovo Edge for Mac):
http://tinyurl.com/5bb2sl

and here (DiNovo for Mac):
http://www.pbcentral.com/columns/hildreth_moore/dinovo2.shtml

As for chairs, I use an old armless task chair with a pneumatic pedestal that I bought at Sears, but have tested nothing more exotic than that.

Charles






About My Power Mac G5 V/S The New The New 24" Display Screen

From Ole

Hi Charles

First, I would like to ask, if it's possible to get an adapter (AT-DP200?) to my machine (as you can see further dawn) - so I can buy and install the new 24" LED Screen Display for my Mac G5?

How much Mac-power do I need to run Snow Leopard. Because maybe I need to start the 'project', and then get hold of a new Mac later, I don't know, what is the best.

I now have a Mac model-name:
Power Mac G5
Model-id: PowerMac7,2
Processornavn: PowerPC 970 (2.2)
Processorhastighed: 2 GHz
Antal CPU'er: 2
L2-buffer (pr. CPU): 512 KB
Hukommelse: 3 GB
Bushastighed: 1 GHz
Boot ROM-version: 5.0.7f0
Serienummer (system): YM3456R6QE8
Hardware-uuid: 00000000-0000-1000-8000-000A95A752D4

+ Maxtor bacup (1 Tb)

I would really be very happy for an answer, and of course, ready to buy my new hardware by you.

(I will be back on Monday, then maybe we can talk/mail then - thank you.)

Kind Regards,
Ole

___

Hi Ole;

According to Apple, the 24" Cinema Display is compatible with Mac computers with a Mini DisplayPort, including MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, Mac mini, and iMac — which I presume means recent iMacs.

This product, just released on September 22, might be a solution:

Atlona DVI to Mini DisplayPort Converter. Model: AT-DP200

The Atlona AT-DP200 is a DVI to Mini DisplayPort converter designed to convert every Mac or PC computer's DVI or mini-DVI signal to a digital signal over a Mini DisplayPort connector, which is currently used on the Apple 24'' Display. The AT-DP200 allows users to extend their desktop to an Apple 24''(or similar DisplayPort display). Users can use the connected monitor as their main display or extend their desktop using it in addition to their laptop's screen. The Atlona DVI to Mini-Display Port Converter is compatible with all Apple and PC Computers which have a DVI or Mini-DVI connections.

$179.00

For more information, visit:
http://www.atlona.com/Atlona-DVI-to-Mini-DisplayPort-Converter-p-17859.html

Tehre is at least one other solution, but I don't think it's available yet:

DVI to Mini Displayport Adapter
http://estore.circuitassembly.com/products/DVI-to-Mini-Displayport-Adapter.html

As for Snow Leopard, the minimum system requirement is an Intel-based Mac, so there is no possibility for your Power PC G5 to ever run Mac OS X 10.6. If you're set on running Snow Leopard, you'll need to upgrade to an Intel Mac.

Charles

___

Re; About My Power Mac G5 V/S The New The New 24" Display Screen

From Ole

Hi Charles

First of all, thank you for a great answer. Now I know what to do. That is - I really don't. Beacuse I should buy a new Mac to upgrade.

But - is it really that important? Well. If I buy the screen now, I have half the hardware, you could say. And in a while I could buy the Mac Pro / Intel based. Then I'd be on top of it. But very poor.

I was thinking about another solution:

An iMac - 24" - eg. about the same size / power at least. And then use the old Mac as a kind of server, backup, keeping old jobs in - pictures and so on.

Is that a solution strong enough for graphich work on a daily basics?Or should they (display and Mac) be apart in order to be faster an more easy to build on?

Are we talking millions here?

And - is this crazy?

___

Hi Ole;

I don't think it's crazy at all. I can't tell you what to do, but if I were you in your particular circumstances I would go looking for a 24" Intel iMac — new, refurbished or used - whichever your budget can handle. I'm a big fan of Apple Certified Refurbished Macs. Bought my last two laptops ACR and they've both been flawless. I'm not sure if ACR units are available in Denmark.

Charles

___

Re; About My Power Mac G5 V/S The New The New 24" Display Screen

From Ole

Many thanks again for your grat answer and advice.

I think, on behalf of your advice, that I will buy a new iMac after all. Then I can take what's in the ols Mac to the new one, and and later I ca upgrade to the snow-cat, as I will be Intel based. Right?

Can I then use the old G5 power Mac as a second machine - that is - as a server or just a stock-machine?

Do you sell iMacs to Denmark, and what about VAT (moms, socalled in DK ), and what is the total price, incl. transport, in DKK's, for the 24" Apple iMac CTO 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo - if I give the order from here?

Kind Regards,
Ole

___

Hello Ole;

I think that going new is the best plan if your pocketbook can handle it. A new iMac purchased now will come with Snow Leopard pre-installed, so no OS upgrade will be necessary.

You could use your old G5 iMac as a backup machine or server, but it's kind of high-end for that sort of service. Definitely more power than you need for a server. In your shoes, I would put it on the market and apply the proceeds to the new iMAc purchase.

Neither Applelinks nor I sell Mac computers anywhere. I used to be an agent for an Apple reseller back in the late '90s here in Nova Scotia, Canada, but haven't dome that for many years now.

YHe logical place for you to shop would be the online Apple Store - Denmark:
http://store.apple.com/dk

802 408 35

I just checked, and they don't offer refurbs., alas, but the 24" iMac starts at: DKK10,999.00.

Charles






White MacBook

From Cathy

Hi Charles,

I read your AppleLinks article about the spec bump on the white MacBooks and noticed this line: “...The unibodies are gorgeous — I love mine.”

Did you replace your 17-inch PowerBook with a new aluminum MacBook? What do you think about the glossy screen, or do you use it with a separate display?

Cathy

___

Hi Cathy;

Yes; I bought a unibody MacBook back in February, and I love it. It's early days yet, but it definitely has the potential to displace the Pismo PowerBook as my all time favorite Mac I've owned. The feel and precision fit of the unibody case blow me away, and the Core 2 Duo performance is no hardship either. So far it's been completely trouble free and dependable.

I am quite happy with the glossy screen, but it's a bit of an adjustment going down from 17" to 13", especially with my 58 year old eyes, but it's fine, and I haven't resorted to an external display, although that would certainly be an option.

My biggest (basically only significant) beef so far is the lack of FireWire, which I find a pain, but I knew about that going in. Of course, FireWire has been restored on the new 13" MacBook Pro, along with a SD Card slot added, making this in my estimation the most perfect laptop Apple has ever built.

I got an Apple Certified Refurbished unit, so it only cost Can$50 more than the WhiteBook.

Charles







Canadian RAM Supplier

From Bryan

Hi Charles,

I have been out of the loop for awhile. But now I want to buy a 2 GB stick of RAM for my 2007 Intel-based iMac.

I can get it straight from Crucial in the USA for a reasonable USD 23.99 (versus C$120.00 from Apple Canada). However, Crucial will use FEDEX or UPS to send it to me here in Waterloo, Ontario. So, the shipping charge with the hefty brokerage fees will make the total cost skyrocket.

Can you suggest a company in Canada that I can economically buy top-tier RAM from, including economical shipping? Or, even a USA company that uses the USPS instead of a courier?

Thanks,
Bryan

___

Hi Bryan;

Yes, those courier charges and brokerage fees (especially with UPS) are a killer for those of us ordering from US suppliers that don't ship by parcel post.

Here are links to a couple of Canadian RAM resellers.

Canada Computers
http://tinyurl.com/yb8l2e7

Canada Computers is currently offering flat-rate shipping across Canada for only $6.99 per order with no weight or minimum purchase limitations.

CanadaRAM Ltd.
http://www.canadaram.com/macram.html

$7.99 shipping for RAM, to most cities in Canada by Expedited Post (4 - 8 days), or FREE with your order of $300 or more.

I have not personally done business with either of these companies. When I upgraded the RAM in my MacBook to 4 GB last summer, I did some comparisons, and Other World Computing in the U.S. seemed the best all round deal - even better now with the Canabuck trading in the 93 cents U.S. range.

Charles






Connecting an Old and a New Mac AFP

From CE

Hello Mr. Moore,

Thank you for being what seems to be the ONLY person to write how to do that with Ethernet.

Your article here ( http://tinyurl.com/yfby39 )almost gets me there but I am lost at the, ON THE OTHER MACHINE, line.

Here is what I have and have done. You write about 10.3 so right there
poses a bit of a difficulty for me.

I have 10.2.8 plugged into a Ethernet hub.

I have now a new Mini Mac plugged by CROSSOVER Ethernet cable also into the same hub.

I turned on File Sharing on the old Mac.

Turned on the New Mac but nowhere do I see a place to write an AFP address in OS 10.5.6

That is where I am lost.

I was able to get the volumes to appear on the desktop (once) and they had my log in names (from the old machine) so it seems I'm almost there but all they contain is something called DROP BOX. The system doesn't let me do anything with Drop Box.

What to do. Might you know?

ALSO
Is there a utility that helps with bringing the old to the new INCLUDING
PREFERENCES & SETTINGS!

The system program for moving files seems to only be about Firewire.

Oh Dear I'm stumped; I thank you for your time.

___

Hi CE;

Apple has changed the Sharing Preference panel considerably in OS 10.5.

I don't have any machine running OS 10.2, and it's been so long my recollection is hazy, but I think the File Sharing setup is pretty similar to what I described in the article.

My suggestion would be to start File Sharing on the OS 10.2 machine, make a note of the IP address or the Bonjour (Rendezvous) name (begins with afp://) provided in the File Sharing pane, then select Connect to Server on the OS 10.5 machine and enter that address or name and click connect. Hopefully, that will do the trick.

I don't know of any utility that will import System preferences and settings from an older system install other than the OS X Migration Assistant, which is located in the Utilities folder in your Applications folder. You need a FireWire cable connecting the computers. The program provides onscreen instructions.

Charles

___

Re: Connecting an Old and a New Mac AFP

From CE

Charles,

After about 19 hours of agony using Experts-exchange dot com, finally the tech realized what I was doing incorrectly was typing in the ADMINISTRATOR user name, not the SHORT or Nickname USER NAME. Once that was unearthed I was unblocked and could get in only as you correctly state to have another 40 hours of trying to move pref, often with no success whatsoever.

Before that discovery he put me into SharePoints, which I still don't understand and don't know if I still need it or not. Since it is finally sharing just fine, I dare not remove it.

Photoshop fails to make the transition.
Firefox fails
Apple Mail fails entirely.
Palm Pilot fails.

The BEST mover was iTunes and GraphicsConverter. In a zip both programs had nearly everything from the old. GC flawless. iTunes loses all its Received Dates and Song Turned OFF settings, but nothing else.

Safari behaved (but I don't even use it)

Entourage behaved ONCE I moved the identity to the new drive. It would not pay it any attention on the old drive.

WORD, forget about it.

Other favorites (utilities which help with hand strain) don't work on an Intel machine. Had I been able to get that piece of education I would have picked a non Intel machine. Everything I heard of the past few years extolled the virtues of Intel! It is far more important for me to have the little shareware out there which help with eye and hand fatigue than to have an Intel machine. Apple's Universal tools are useless. Zoom doesn't work at all on my new OS and when it did, it grossly exaggerates and is unwieldly to the point of uselessness.

I thought Apple would have incorporated the fantastic little tools that were out there in decent number from os 8 to 9 but instead they keep with the same limited nothings.

Auto Menus , made my life as for as keyboarding goes.

Scrollability, did as well

AutoPairs, a godsend

NoShift, the author passed away but at the end of his life, gave so much to the handicap with that little app.

FunKeys

None of these work on this OS and only FunKeys &AutoPairs worked on 10.2.8. Worth its weight in gold to me.

Engineers needed to keep these going. The current scroll tool I guess is more about the Wheel than anything else and the last thing I need is a wheel to have to manipulate too. SimpleKeys fails more than not. FunKeys almost never failed to fill in a field in the 4 years I was on 10.2.8.

Well that has been my plight sir. Not in love with this OS at all, despite all the huge hype it has.

CE

___

Re: Connecting an Old and a New Mac AFP

From CE

Oh the place to write in the IP address was the GO-CONNECT MENU. That's the part of your instructions that stumped me. I did not see the WHERE. I wasn't saying I couldn't get the IP address. At certain moments there isn't even a GO menu at the top of the screen. Leaves a person stumped. I've used GO now twice since I started using Mac in 1988. It is so out of sight (often) it is out of mind. I couldn't see it for looking even when it does appear.

I don't know anyone, for example, who goes to the hard drive that way.

CE

___

Hi CE

One method I've had mixed success with is simply dragging over the Preferences Folder from a satisfactorily-configured User Home Folder into a newly installed system on another computer. This is one of those "don't try this at home, kids" kludges, and I don't recommend it unless you're prepared to deal with potential and unpredictable issues. It has worked reasonably well for me across installs of the same Mac OS version, but I'm skeptical about success with a shift from OS 10.2 Power PC to OS 10.5 Intel.

As for the broken helper utilities when moving to Intel, I share your pain, and Scrollability especially is one of the factors that keeps me using Classic Mode in OS X 10.4.11 on my ancient but still remarkably capable Pismo PowerBooks.

The Intel advantages are raw power and speed of course, greater hardware compatibility with the Windows PC world, and increasingly that one is locked out of many of the latest software developments when on Power PC, something that I expect to snowball once Intel-only (presumed) OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard becomes the current Mac OS sometime in 2009. That doesn't mean Power PC Macs will become useless overnight, but one will have to resign oneself to being blocked out of an increasing proportion of new stuff.

I'm reasonably comfortable in OS 10.5 Leopard, and have become addicted to features like Spotlight, Spaces, Quick Look, Time Machine, and more, but I do miss some elements of even old OS 9 that have been lost, and that will be amplified when I move to an Intel Mac, probably in the not too distant future.

That said, the ability of third party programs and utilities to forward migrate is the responsibility of the respective developers and not Apple's, and it's not surprising that results are somewhat chaotic.

I'm exceedingly doubtful that some of those helpful shareware tools will ever be transitioned to support Intel Macs, although others may eventually be developed to take their place (or not, it hasn't happened with Scrollability).

A possible workaround for you, at least for a few more years, might be to pick up a late-model Power PC Mac capable of running OS 10.4 Tiger happily, and which would likely support most if not all the utilities you miss from OS 10.2.8 while still keeping you fairly current with support of Web browsers and whatnot. It's a buyers' market in used Power PC hardware these days.

Charles






Mac OS X 10.5.2: Time Machine problems? - OS X Odyssey 911

From bsod

i've got the same problem, and i found the solution here to fix blue screen of death, just for reference.

http://windowsfix.info/fix-blue-screen/

___

Thanks for the link!

CM

***



Charles W. Moore

Note: Letters to Moore's Mailbag may or may not be published at the editor's discretion. Correspondents' email addresses will NOT be published unless the correspondent specifically requests publication. Letters may be edited for length and/or context.

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CM

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