Useful MAC Apps and Hardware [Ongoing Updates]

Mike Lucey

I agree about the DEC. I would like to learn a lot more about 'whats in the box'.

Working with the MBP on the lap can get uncomfortable. I recently picked up a Belkin CoolSpot Cushion Laptop Cooling Pad on Amazon and its doing the job of keeping things cool for me and the MBP.

pbacot

Thx!

pbacot

@mike lucey said:

@pbacot said:

IDK about ethernet and card slots, neither of which I expect to use in the future, but did they eliminate USB and HDMI too? Crazy

Yep, they did! I agree its crazy. But its creating some business opportunities for others. I've just noticed the 'HyperDrive' on Kickstarter.

[attachment=0:1zrxkzb2]HyperDrive Thunderbolt 3 USB-C Hub for 2016 MacBook Pro.jpg[/attachment:1zrxkzb2]
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hypershop/hyperdrivetm-compact-thunderbolt-3-usb-c-hub-for-m?ref=nav_search

One of these plugged into both sides of the new MBP would be an improvement over the current port arrangement on the last generation MBP but it looks like they only have a left side unit.

But hey that covers up the power port doesn't it?

slbaumgartner

@pbacot said:

But hey that covers up the power port doesn't it?

There's another USB-C on the other side of the MBP. You'd have to use that for power. There is no single-purpose power port any more.

This is another reason why I think Apple went too far in their quest for paper-thinness in this latest MBP. They seem to have lost track of the things that matter to the heavy-duty Mac user vs the general public. Yeah, it's nice when a laptop is as thin and light as possible, but not when I have to sacrifice connectivity and carry around a mess of adapters!

Edit: I missed the point that you were commenting on what happens if you connect dongles to both sides.

solo

@unknownuser said:

This is another reason why I think Apple went too far in their quest for paper-thinness in this latest MBP. They seem to have lost track of the things that matter to the heavy-duty Mac user vs the general public. Yeah, it's nice when a laptop is as thin and light as possible, but not when I have to sacrifice connectivity and carry around a mess of adapters!

Guess the balance of form and function is off.

pbacot

I still have an older MBP Two USB, Two Thunderbolt HDMI, SD Card reader, headphone jack, separate power jack.
I don't know of any reasons to upgrade.
I thought this is what the MB "Air" was all about. My wife uses it and it does fine for her business. It probably has more connectivity than the new MBP.
I have no idea where Apple is headed. It used to be exciting to watch. Now it's meh.

slbaumgartner

I'm using a mid-2012 MBP Retina. The only thing about it I would change is that I wish I had maxed out the memory when I bought it. 8GB seemed like a lot at the time, but is today sometimes marginal.

Mike Lucey

@pbacot said:

But hey that covers up the power port doesn't it?

It does but you plug the power into the adaptor.

Mike Lucey

@slbaumgartner said:

I'm using a mid-2012 MBP Retina. The only thing about it I would change is that I wish I had maxed out the memory when I bought it. 8GB seemed like a lot at the time, but is today sometimes marginal.

I have the same year as you. I purchased a refurbished MBPR with 16GB memory and 750 Flash storage. I even now find the 16GB is a bit on the tight side.

pbacot

Does anyone know of a good file search program for use on the Mac. (built-in search is useless).

Mike Lucey

@pbacot said:

Does anyone know of a good file search program for use on the Mac. (built-in search is useless).

You might try EasyFind https://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/11076/easyfind Its also free

Mike Lucey

Apple Engineer Talks About New 2016 Macbook Pro
Youtube Video

PS: If you understand Spanish, turn the speaker off.

Mike Lucey

Hi Guys,

I posted about Afloat some time ago. At the time I found it to be an extremely useful utility, especially when working on a single monitor as it 'floated' apps that you need on top.

Afloat page.jpg

Recent Mac OS upgrades made Afloat installation impossible but with High Sierra its possible again.

I discovered great step by step instructions by Damian, here, https://www.maketecheasier.com/mac-keeping-your-application-window-always-on-top/

If you install Afloat don't forget to re-enable System Integrity Protection.

Mike