An Entirely Other Day: The Days of Miracles and Wonder →
To quote any single line of this would spoil it. So, so, good. (thx DF)
It doesn’t matter how amazing the steak is, if it’s served on a cold plate it’s crap. If it’s served with a dull knife it’s crap. If the gravy isn’t piping hot, it’s crap. If you’re eating it on an uncomfortable chair, it’s crap. If it’s served by an ugly waiter who just came in from a smoke break, it’s crap. Because I care about the steak, I have to care about everything around it. (via Contrast | The Blog | The thickness of napkins)
do it right the first time.
Also, what we believe in vs. not what we believe in.
Mark Pilgrim on The Setup →
But hey, you asked for my dream setup. That’s it: one computer for 20 years.
Gosh, I love The Setup. Though, once again, Mark is not a Mac guy, I love the conviction he holds in the things he believes in. I really, really admire it.
20 Years, huh? I don’t think this is an unreasonable expectation. I am currently typing this post using Word 5.1 on a Powerbook 1400c. Though I am not sure when this particular model was made (and yes, I am too lazy to look it up by the serial number) the model line was introduced in 1997. That means it is currently 13 years old. It does not show any signs of stopping either. Here is proof:
I mainly keep it in the basement on a shelf. I pull it out for those rare times someone will come to me with an old floppy disk that contains the sole copy of their college thesis and they wonder if I can rescue it. That said, I still enjoy it a great deal when I do. It has one of my favorite keyboards of all time. It makes a pleasant clickity-clak that reminds a writer of his industry and craft. I still think Word 5.1 was the best word processor ever made and it is these times I prove myself correct. Oh, how I miss using this machine daily. What is there to say I could not?
To be fair, I have given the machine a few upgrades, without which I am not sure I really could use it in my modern world without some deep compromises. For the purposes I use it for, I have installed a NewerTech G3/233 processor as well as maxed out the RAM at 48MB but with RAM Doubler (I am sure I am bringing back some memories for the old timers here) I am pushing it to 96MB. I also have a Lucent WaveLAN Silver WiFi PC card to connect to the wireless. Works like a charm.
That said, I have the machines and the software I use today because I really do need them. I need them for my job to support my clients. That said, if my life were different – if writing were my main gig for instance – I could easily do so with this setup. I mean, seriously, set me up with a Laserwriter 300 to be able to print off a manuscript and I would be in business. Cormack McCarthy uses a typewriter. Neal Stephenson writes 1800 page trilogies in long hand. They are no less industrious or prolific in their craft because of these “outdated” tools. My PB1400 setup is worlds away from (and some may argue ahead of) both.
This is really just a reason to remind myself of the purpose behind this little project I have here. It is to explore the idea of what really is “enough” for me, for you, for most. I am sure that, with proper care and feeding, I will be able to take out my current Mac, an almost 3 year old Macbook, from the basement 10 years from now and reminisce in the same way. I am sure it’s utility may be no less – despite the fact the world may have changed around it. It will likely be enough for me for a long time to come.
ignore the code: Removing Features →
Constant vigilance is the price you pay for an elegant application.
This means you have to learn to say «no». Your current customers will ask you for a feature they want. Potential customers will tell you that if you add just one specific feature, they’ll buy the app. You can’t be everything for everyone. You have to let some people be customers of your competitors.
This is a really wonderful explanation of the problem with feature bloat, some good reasons why and how it happens, and what can be done to manage it. No imaginary straw men here. This is the way all posts of this type should be written (and, mea culpa, I am taking this lesson to heart).
Why a Computer is Not Like A Toaster – And Why It Should Be « First Today, Then Tomorrow →
If I just want a piece of toast, I shouldn’t have to know how to build a toaster to get one.
A Flickr set with famous floating heads and quote bubbles – what’s not to love? (thx David Kaneda)
The App Store Nightmare Hasn't Gone Away →
Chris is absolutely right on here. If Apple wants this platform and sales model to be the future, they first need to correct the many, many mistakes of the recent past.
Skirting the Glut of iPhone Apps - NYTimes.com →
The average iPhone or iPod Touch owner uses 5 to 10 apps regularly, according to Flurry, a research firm that studies mobile trends. This despite the surfeit of available apps: some 140,000 and counting.
This self realization is what led to my iPhone experiment a few weeks back. I knew that, despite the four pages of apps, there were only a handful I used often enough to warrant placement on my home screen. Seems most people fall into this category. Perhaps you do as well. (thx Matt Thomas)
Understanding Multi-tasking on the iPad: What is it really? →
Excellent post by Milind Alvares on multitasking (or the percieved lack there of) on the iPad. Love this little killer riff:
But the iPad’s multi-tasking is more than just speed. It’s a brand new user interface bringing in a new workflow. Something that’s simple, logical, focussed, and human. It’s multi-tasking dictated by end goals.
