Text Expander Saves Typing and Time.

TextExpander 2.5 ($30) isn't for everyone, but if you find yourself typing on the computer on a daily basis, text substitutions can save you a lot of time. TextExpander automatically expands abbreviated text snippets into predefined words or phrases. It can also run scripts based on what you type. As an example, whenever I type "ctadd" on my Mac, TextExpander automatically replaces that abbreviation with the full CreativeTechs mailing address.
Watch some video tutorials to see TextExpander in action, and read a great review at Lifehacker to get a sense of the time-saving possibilities.
Source: This tip inspired by my recent visit to Forget Computers, a Mac IT support company in Chicago, whose team uses TextExpander every day. This write-up also inspired by a tip in the November 2008 issue of Design Tools Monthly.



Does your laptop seem to die faster than it used to? It probably does. Laptop batteries lose capacity over time.









































OBITUARY: After a prolonged battle with Mac OS X, Helvetica — along with younger cousin Helvetica Neue — was finally pronounced dead on October 28, 2007 with the release of Leopard, by Apple, in California.







Many times every month we get calls from designers or IT managers who need to reset a lost administrative password on Mac workstations.





iStumbler is a powerful free tool for finding and troubleshooting wireless networks. It will display all the wireless hotspots within range of your Mac. You can quickly determine whether they’re open or secure, their SSIDs, signal strength, the wireless channel used, and more:

Over the years, many clients have asked me about the possibility of backing up over their studio's Internet connection. It is an enticing idea. Every night your studio's work files are magically whisked away to a safe online server.

Apple ships their new Apple Remote with every computer they make today. We've started hearing complaints from designers whose Macs go wacky when coworkers run a presentation using one of these ubiquitous devices. We've compiled links to a couple handy Apple Technotes that document how to pair a remote with a specific Mac (or Apple TV). 















This is one of those tips we hope you'll never have to use.









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If you are the hands on type that likes to troubleshoot and solve your own computer problems, you might want to bookmark Apple's Do-It-Yourself page.
Every month we get calls from clients selling or buying an old PowerMac G4. How much is it worth? Here is a website with the answer:


Here is another tiny booklet in our collection of Mac-focused
In our tip
Few situations are more frustrating than struggling with a computer that won't start. Especially with client deadlines looming. That's the idea behind this tiny troubleshooting guide:
Fujitsu’s ScanSnap ($420) is a remarkable device that’s unbelievably productive and compact — about the size of a small fax machine. Its purpose is to convert printed documents into searchable electronic files, and it does that very quickly.

Two months ago we ran an apparently popular tip on