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25 Sep 2003
p. My latest cool software find is a little utility called ["Synergy":http://synergy.wincent.com/]; it's a small application which runs in the menu bar, and allows you to control iTunes without first switching to it or using the Dock menu. You might be thinking, "Pfft. Is that all? Loads of applications do that--what's the big deal?" Well, the big deal is in the level of customization possible and the quality of the implementation.
p. All of the commands (play, pause, change volume, set a star rating and so on) can all have keyboard commands assigned, so that you never even need to venture near the menu bar with the mouse. You can also choose a number of different styles for the control buttons on the menu bar, and even set their spacing. But that's not all; when the track changes, a transparent 'floater' appears showing the title, artist, and album, along with the star rating you've assigned, and--this is the corker in my view--the album cover art, which it downloads automatically if you're connected to the network. It even appears with a kind of 'sliding-out' animation and then fades out, which is very slick and professional. All of this is also customizable, including what goes on the floater, where it appears, and how long for. Transparent floaters (like the built in volume and screen brightness ones) appear when you operate any of the controls to give you visual feedback.
p. I find it extremely convenient to have the new track information hover in the corner while I'm working, and to be able to just hit a system-wide key to control iTunes. I've mapped the main transport commands to the function keys plus command, which is very quick and easy. My MacNTouch even has markings on F8-F11 for play, stop, track forward and back (which will be functional in some future version of the firmware), so I have a visual reminder of which key does what.
2
SideTrack works well on my little iBook 600. I just need to train myself properly -- it turns out that I tend to use the right side nearly exclusively, and that's where I prefer the vert scroll to be. I'm learning. Slowly. But learning.
by Nathan Ladd @ 26/09/2003 7:10 pm • Permalink •
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Nathan: Oh, I'm an idiot. I just deleted the wrong comment (i.e. not the doubled one), so I've just posted it again for you. Now everything is in the wrong order. Grrr. It's been a long week, and I'm really tired...
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Nathan: Sorry! Don't worry about the doubled comment either, I'll delete one at some point.
Howard Jones: Sidetrack does look very good, but [engaging smug mode] I have a huge area to drag scroll with 4 fingers, right click, double click with a single tap, and so on on my MacNTouch [disengaging smug mode].
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The MacNTouch looks strange, and as such I fear it. Is there a UK reseller where it's possible to play with one before mutilating my powerbook? Most of it sounds nice, but I'm pretty used to having things move when I type. I can't get my old ZX81 out of my head when it comes to flt keyboards...
by Howard Jones @ 27/09/2003 8:09 am • Permalink •
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Howard Jones: Unfortunately there aren't any distributors in the UK currently -- I bought mine from a German company (arktis.de), which was much cheaper than having it shipped from the States and having to pay import duty. I had the same kinds of fears, and that was why it took me quite a lot of time to pluck up courage. I found a lot of the discussion on the forums very reassuring; people said that they were worried that they wouldn't get on with it, but now you would have to pry their keyboard from their cold, dead hands. That's pretty much how I feel now.
The non-moving keys thing is odd at first (you might well spend the first few days wondering how the heck anyone can type anything on it), but it very quickly becomes so normal that moving keys seems like having to chisel letters out of stone.
If you're ever in the Oxford area, I could give you a demo of mine, but to be honest, you need to live with it for a few days at least to decide. You can also send them back (though you will be charged a 'restocking fee'), and it doesn't mutilate the PowerBook in any way; you can just slot the old keyboard back in.
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re ZX81: that comment brings back some memories! the real question is, can you spill coffee on a MacNTouch equipped PB and get away with it? 
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I use PTHiTunesNotifier (http://www.pth.com/PTHiTunesNotifier/ ) which seems to have almost all the features of Synergy, and also seems a bit more customizable. And it won't cost you $5 like Synergy. 
by Petter Sandvik @ 02/10/2003 7:11 am • Permalink •
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Funny. I just downloaded this two days ago. I've been itching to write about it on my 'blog, but my site's been down for some time.
Now you've beaten me to it.
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This is just what I've been trying to find (or maybe write) a Konfabulator widget to do! The album cover thing pretty impressive too, even working with the random mix CD that I've manually told iTunes about.
On the subject of cool Mac toys (I'm new to this mac stuff), if you have a PowerBook then you need to give SideTrack a go (http://www.ragingmenace.com/software/sidetrack/index.html). Between this and LaunchBar, I've become much less cack-handed with my little PB.
by Howard Jones @ 25/09/2003 9:09 pm • Permalink •