Thursday, January 27, 2011

Comparing Programming Font Pairs « 1/N

An interesting, if nerdy, look at the differences in the various typefaces used in coding.

Comparing Programming Font Pairs « 1/N

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Checking iTunes Library.

Recently, I've been having a problem, where upon launching iTunes, I'd have to sit and wait for iTunes to check its library and the process would usually take somewhere in the 5-10 minute range to complete.

After some Googling, I found that the problem is caused by iTunes' Genius Library database.

So, how do you fix the problem? Simply follow these easy steps

1. Navigate to "Macintosh HD > Your Home Folder> Music > iTunes"

2. Locate the file named "iTunes Library Genius.itdb"

3. Highlight the file and either drag it to the trash or push Command + Delete.

Quit iTunes and restart it and hopefully that should fix the problem. It worked for me.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

I Hurd You Like Displays

Recently, I've ditched all my computers and whittled it down to just a lone MacBook Pro; and I'm loving it. The fact that I'm never tied to a desk -- when I chose not to be -- is absolutely amazing. I've never had a laptop as a main system, and it was slightly nerve wracking thinking about possible catastrophes that could occur, it truly is wonderful to carry every bit of data I've ever created with me every where I go.

The only thing is I do like to have a desk for those rare moments when it's time for serious business, and I still keep a desk in our bedroom. A desk can make you feel productive and more creative sometimes, and it definitely keeps distractions at bay.


That being said, having a small, 15" laptop on a desk can feel odd, and it certainly doesn't make typing any easier, so I setup my old 20" Apple Cinema Display as a second monitor, a mouse and an Apple Pro Keyboard, and it feels just like a regular desktop.

Well, I do need a better keyboard, like a Matias Tactile Pro 3. It's loud and clicky, which is always nice. It's based on the Apple Extended II keyboard, which is praised as one of the best keyboards ever made. I want one just because Gruber uses one.

Oh, and a nice stand. I hear the mStand is awesome, it certainly looks nice and would solve the problem of matching heights. The only thing is tduper, extra glossy hi-res display. They also run at different color temperatures, thus giving the Cinema Display a more yellow tint.

It's amazing just how far we've come in display technology. My 15" MacBook Pro looks better, has way more screen real estate (the Cinema Display and MBP have the same pixel count, just viewable display size is different) it's brighter, and, in my opinion, is easier on my eyes. I paid $1,000 for the Cinema Display close to six years ago. And, while it shows its age, I still have much love and respect for it.