Useful MAC Apps and Hardware [Ongoing Updates]

Edson

burkhard,

no need to do such a thing on a mac. if you just drag an application's icon to the dock it will be there for you all the time.

if you are not yet using the dock (a very handy system feature), have a look at it as it is very useful.

Mike Lucey

I understand what you are after now Burkhard. Yes, as Edson
says the Mac Dock is the most obvious way to do this but there
are quite a number of programs that also for customised (pullout)
docks, Dock Fun is one and it can be located here,
http://www.donelleschi.com/dockfun/

BTW, this company also produces Sticky Windows, I would be lost
without it

Mike

Edson

@mike lucey said:

.... my cure for RSI is a cigarette break

well, then what is your cure for the cigarette breaks...?

Burkhard

Thanks Mike,

that what I was looking for.

Mike Lucey

@edson said:

@mike lucey said:

.... my cure for RSI is a cigarette break

well, then what is your cure for the cigarette breaks...?

LOL, well Edson I do have a cure for ciggy breaks ... NicoGel!

Your welcome Burkhard

Mike

Mike Lucey

Anyone that is looking for a good 2D Drawing application that shakes hands
with SketchUp (via .skp import) might check out ViaCAD http://www.punchcad.com/products/viacad2d3d.htm

Its like SketchUp is some ways, a clean and uncluttered intreface and the
LogiCursor Thinks As You Draw Simple interface with LogiCursor
technology aids in visually anticipating your moves, partnering with you in
the design process.

I purchased this program when I had the PC but had difficulty importing
a .skp file. I have again tried the Mac version and the .skp import worked
fine. I am now seeing if I can get a replacement Mac lisense!

Mike

kwistenbiebel

Thanks Mike for that link,

It seems that Viacad has some tools that I always wished for to have in Sketchup.
Did you see how easy it is to chamfer edges, bend a shape, move vertex points etc...?

In that perspective it is ahead of Sketchup.

And a 2D function underneath, that's very cool.
I wonder how it would hold for architecture.
Can it do 2D double line polygons (walls) etc...?

Mike Lucey

Hi kwistenbiebel, just a quick update on ViaCAD. I only sent
the request to them yesterday for the license change and I
have received a link to the new Mac license this morning.
That's what I call great service

I'm not sure about the 'wall drawing function', I did not see
it there but will check it out. If its not there I imagine
ViaCAD might be coaxed into providing such a function.

ViaCAD 2D/3D is approx $100 but there is a 2D version for under
$50! I did not see a download available for this however.

Mike

PS: As Burkhard say below there is a double line tool here on
the pull-out menu / option.

Edson

have a look at finderpop (http://www.finderpop.com), a very useful free little app that enhances your conetxtual menus and allows you to see your folder organization without having to go the finder. it does for nothing what Filegazer does for $20,00.

EDIT: URL fixed.

Burkhard

There is a wall line tool under lines in the rollover menue.

correction: http://www.finderpop.com

Mike Lucey

3D Toolbox Build your own 3D CAD software!

http://www.microspot.com/products/3dtoolbox/index.htm

3D Toolbox.jpg

Stinkie

Hmmm ... I gotta look into ViaCAD. Wonder how well it'll get along with SU. Would be nice to use it for bevelling SU stuff.

$ 99 ain't expensive either.

Mike Lucey

Its a nice program and not expensive

Mike Lucey

Hi Guys,

I must really start updating this thread as I have learned
about a load of nifty Mac applications over the past months.

Here is one that has just launched on the Apple site, 'Its
about time to learn to Switch to Mac'. The site blurb goes,

"It's About Time to Learn the Switch to Mac" is the most innovative learning tool ever created for Switchers. It’s all about teaching you the Mac by connecting the dots to Windows equivalents. When the instructor, Saied, teaches you a lesson on the Mac, you can then instantly try it on the virtual Mac that is built into the learning tool - an interactive experience unique to “It’s About Time Products.” From using the basics in Finder, to keyboard shortcuts, to using many Mac applications - you’ll “learn the Switch to Mac” very quickly. We think people learn better by trying it out for themselves, not by reading a 300 page manual. We also teach you amazing Mac only features."

http://www.itsabouttimeproducts.com/welcome/

While I think the app is a very good idea as it at least saves
a potential Switcher a trip to an Apple Outlet it falls down
badly not offering a demo. It seems its a buy only option at
$25. Still maybe good value! I don't know as I've switched
If anyone gives it a go let us know about it please.

Mike

tomasz

FreeMind-SCF Thread (open source project) helps me a lot with storing some useful information.

Mike Lucey

Thanks Tomasz for adding that link. I have also been looking
for a Mind Mapping App that will help me keep my stuff organised.

I have come across Personal Brain, http://www.thebrain.com/#-42
I have explored that app and feel I will get stuck into it when
I can spare a little time. It is really well thought out AND it
offers a free version also.

Mike

Personal Brain.jpg

Mike Lucey

Hi Guys,

I've been looking for a simple / powerful app that would allow me to organise my stuff on the Mac. I wanted something that I felt comfortable with.

I have tried out quite a few but have not been converted as yet, that
is until I came across Note Book by Circus Ponies, http://www.circusponies.com/store/index.php?main_page=videotour&sub=introduction&zenid=8e3cb306363803d4aac1b0d953633310

The above link is to the Video Tutorials page. Its well worth spending a little time checking these out.

What I like about Note Book is that is a very down to earth system that all of us are familiar with. The way Circus Ponies have put this system together is simple yet VERY effective.

I would value any opinions.

Mike

Note Book.jpg

Mike Lucey

Hi Guys,

I've been using Canvas as my desktop published since V6, its now at V11 for Windows. But for some reason the company have decided to discontinue upgrades for the Mac so I am stuck at V10. I'm not pleased to say the least.

Since I moved to the Mac I have found a lot of small dedicated applications that do ONE job well. Bean is a good example and I now use it for all my letter writing, its simple, fast, nice to use and gets the job done. Oh! its also free.

I have just noticed the launch of iStudio Publisher, a simple and easy to use app. I've read the overview, watched the videos also downloaded the small program and tried it out.

I have a feeling it will be replacing Canvas as my DP. Okay, its not free but at £35 its a bargain and a fraction of the cost of Canvas. I am also very pleased to read about the upgrades that will be following at a quick pace!

If any of you are looking for a simple and easy to use DP application I'd say its worth a look. The link is,
http://www.istudiopublisher.com/index.php/home/home/

Let me know how you get on.

Mike

iStudio Publisher.jpg

Edson

i recently came across Freeway (http://www.softpress.com/index.php), a web design app for people who do not wish to learn coding. i had a look at their videos and got the impression it is better than iWeb and RapidWeaver, the two apps that do the same. there are two version, express and pro, as well as educationnal licenses.

Mike Lucey

Thanks Edson, I checked out Freeway and must say the it looks to be superior to iWeb and Rapidweaver. The video tutorials are excellent. The narrator has a good turn of phrase and easy to listen to. It's probably worth going for the Pro version with the added features.

Mike