How Apple ruled over my files
Whether you are using a Apple branded computer, or not, it is true that there will be a moment when your computer will refuse to cooperate. Sometimes it happens early on, sometimes after long years of dutiful service. It can be software- or hardware-problems causing these issues, but – as a matter of fact – it happens.
Unhappy macbook, authors rendition.
So once the realization has sunk in – it usually leads to nervous breakdowns, deadlines crushing you, spontaneous hair loss, sudden Tourette’s and manical laughing fits amongst other symptoms, that are not really the point of this post.
So, after picking yourself up you realize that you have bought some sort of extended warranty. (You have – do you?) Phew! So you go on and take it to the next store, not before making a reservation though. There you will be greeted by slightly overworked but nice personnel which will take note of your machine’s status… “Oh it’s not working…. at all.” and ship it in for repairs.
You also get to sign a nice little death waiver. Death what? Ah. Whatever – I sheepishly filled in my name, telephone number and my favorite pet’s name, amongst other things.
Then, four days later, you get a package expedited – containing your repaired machine. Looks like new, smells like new, too. Except for the ugly crack at the bottom, which they didn’t mind to fix. Well, let’s put it on the desk, plug it in and start it up. It boots up to…
… reveal the “Setup Assistant”. That’s the program that runs the first time you purchase a new machine to ask for your name, address and other details. But – this machine is not new – there’s still the crack at the bottom!? What?
Slowly the realization sunk in. They wiped the drive. Boom, just as Steve likes to say. “Boom.” They did this to help the fact that the machine was not turning on, something that was obviously a hardware fault. And I had waived any right of complaint by signing the above mentioned “Death waiver”. Except that, when bringing it in, they had failed to notify me of this little .. ahem .. detail.
Hmm… I also put my telephone number and mail address on there. Would it have been hard to give me a ring, or shoot an email my way? “Mr. van Dyck – we’d like to erase your harddrive as a last ditch effort to get your machine back into working order. Is that OK?”
To which I would have replied: “No, thanks, just fix the hardware. I know how to reinstall OS X myself. Cheers!”
But I guess, they would rather have the Apple Care operation going smoothly. And I was the obvious roadblock – data be damned. I mean, like the name implies – they care for the Apple — not you.
Fair call, then.
Thanks guys!
Useful iPhone / iPod productivity apps
1. Evernote (Free)
Evernote is, like the name suggests, a memo – and notes kinds of applications that allows you to jot down quick reminders on the go. Recently the ability to retain and sync notes offline has been added. What really sets it apart from others or even the built in applications is the fact that your notes can be accessed everywhere, as the app is basically a front-end for the web based service. Take screenshots of websites, make sketches, or type down some quick to do list and have it ready at the go at all times. Cool and helpful.
2. RssRunner (Free)
Don’t know what to do on your commute? How about keeping up to speed with the world’s latest happenings? This is where this handy little app comes in. It allows you to download RSS feeds from websites you specify for later offline viewing. While it is not as feature-rich as the excellent Newsstand app ($2.99) it still gets the job done and makes lengthy commutes a lot more worthwile.
3. FileAid (Free)
Want to copy that PDF or Word document for later reading or even editing on your iPod or iPhone? No problem with FileAid, which lets you copy and open all kinds of files on your device without resorting to hacking. Simply start the app, put it into transfer mode, and access your device via FTP and get copying. Then you can edit or view all supported files on the go and even copy them back to your computer later. Not as smooth as Apple’s own implementation could have been, but worthwhile none the less.
4. MonoSpace ($0.99)
Well… Okay I said productivity apps – and this is obviously a game. But, but this is not only a relaxing puzzle game, but it is also a very good one at that! Twist a cube that contains a subset of smaller cubes in three dimensions and condense them down into two dimensions to make pathways for you to follow. The levels get more and more mind-bending as the game progresses. Great puzzle fun. Still in the dark? Check out this video.
Handy Photoshop website mockup habits
This is intended for experienced Photoshop users. For a better idea how to get started using Photoshop – read here.
As you can see – I like lists, so let’s get started:
1. Always group your layers into folders. Sounds mundane but saves you a ton of clicking around. This is especially true, when you want to show different alternatives to someone.
2. Agree upon common sizes for imagery, especially thumbnails and previews. Then – religiously re-use those. This will make your designer’s life a little harder maybe, but your programmer will thank you, as will the web standards. Consistency is key.
3. Save a file for each version, allowing you to trace back to earlier versions with ease. Yes I know Photoshop allows you to store all versions in one file. But did you ever open a 400MB Photoshop file? Not fun, let alone the fact that it becomes cumbersome if you want to take it home to work on it.
« Back to Top On meeting deadlines
“I love deadlines. Particularly the whooshing sound they make as they pass by.”
- Douglas Noel Adams
Who doesn’t know this scenario? It is a little past the point where you could have easily done it and now it is approaching the point where it gets uncomfortable. If only the computer would start up faster you could surely make it on time. While you stare at the screen you notice a tiny icon in the tray telling you that it will start UPDATING your software in two three… too late. With a sigh of resignation you ponder the possible results ranging between a good firm talk and having to flee the country…
I’ve been there. We’ve all been there.
But, believe it or not – there are ways out of this misery!
Resources for creative stimulation
Sometimes the idea, that vital spark won’t just come. Now while trying to force it is generally a bad idea – there are some ways around a creative roadblock short of packing up and leaving work. I usually check out some websites or even (gasp) games to get my creative gears grinding.
A small selection:
bestwebgallery.com
A gallery of various Flash and CSS based web-designs as well as other design tidbits. Not super-regularly updated but worth a look every now and then.
webcreme.com
More good website designs and techinques in a comprehensive listing.
designflavr.com
A hand-selected and maintained gallery of all kinds of good design ranging from print, typography to web-design. I especially like to be inspired by non-topical designs. E.g. drawing inspiration from a video for a website. Recommended!
csszengarden.com
A well known classic. None the less this gave me some good ideas for workarounds to CSS problems, as well as showing off some refreshingly un-pretentious and unassuming designs.
smashingmagazine.com
Your one stop-shop for design advice and good articles on all things design. If you just visit one of those pages listed here, make it this one.
flabber.nl
Dutch weblog, not exactly work-related and may not be viewed safely at stricter workplaces. Fun links and topics – ranging from the plain weird over design to geek gadgets. Nevermind the language barrier. I don’t speak dutch either, nevermind my name.
Taken for a ride…
Now reading this formidable website you probably know that we’re located in Tokyo, Japan. So whether you are here in the long term, or, just looking around, you probably know there are lots of interesting places to see.
I’d like to add one more: Niijima.
Now some of you surfing gurus may know Niijima for its beautiful ocean and nice waves. But there is more to it. The island is heavy with a nice Mediterranean flair – the pressing humidity so well known in Tokyo is pleasantly absent. There are lots of small shops, almost no people and the aforementioned inviting ocean. A word of caution though, as you won’t find the classical hotel on this island – most accommodations here are family-run and rather small. But I found this to be quite nice, but depending on your tastes you might want to check in the one and only hotel on this island.
If that is not enough, take a boat trip to the neighboring Shikinejima for a song and rent one of those electrical bikes and explore the natural onsens and the variety of different archipelagos and beaches this island has to offer.
Thusly refreshed, work goes double as easy.
My first anniversary (at Nichiai, of course!)
Wow. Has it been one year already? That’s right – I have been working for Nichiai Creative for a little over a year now. Looking back I can say that I’m happy to say that I made the right decision when I had to make a call between two companies and chose Nichiai. It surely has been a learning experience, both on a personal and professional level. And naturally I will continue to strive to share my experience with clients and colleagues alike. Thank you for making this possible!
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