From My Keyboard

From My Keyboard –
In that New York state of mind

BY BILL CHACHKES

11.2003
Issue No.13

It’s been a rough few months since the Macworld CreativePro Conference & Expo. We have dealt with the worst blackout in history, and a hurricane that also took out our power in my corner of Long Island as well. Both those events were a great reminder to us to back up our machines on a regular basis and to install and use backup power units as well. Both times, my backup unit automatically shut down my systems within a few minutes of each incident, possibly saving me from severe damage to my files and hardware. Some of you may know by now that I was on my way to our groups’ planned meeting when the power went out at 4:11 Pm on August 14th. I was on a Long Island Railroad train that had stopped in the Hillside Yard just east of the Jamaica Terminal. I was lucky enough to make it home around 9:30 that evening, after three bus trips and transfers, but not without enduring some hardship, as did several of our other members.

I’m thrilled to tell you that life has never been better for Mac users in the tri-state area. These last few months have seen another spurt of growth of all things Apple once again. I have begun experimenting with appliance control via the Mac as well, using Apple Script and X-10 controllers throughout my residence. My new Microwave turns itself on, and heats up my leftovers for dinner just before I arrive home, assuring me a hot meal on most nights, whether I cook or not.

We recently lost one of society’s giants among the writing community, George Plimpton. Mr. Plimpton was an unabashed Macintosh fan. A picture of him in his town home in Manhattan shortly before his passing clearly shows a Beige G3 in his office, and he had been known to use a G3 Powerbook as well. While I was not generally a reader of the Paris Review, I was a student of a good deal of his other work, and I am proud to be the owner of an autographed copy of Paper Lion, one of his works on participatory journalism and sports. He will be sorely missed.

Home Networking seems to be a hot topic these days, and among Metromac members, many are either already networking multiple machines or will soon. I recently became one of those who share 2 or more computers (4 in fact) thanks to my Netgear RP 614 Router (see review in this issue). While the RP 614 is not wireless, many other units are, and for less than the price of a good family meal, you have quite a few options to choose from.

Since I have been riding the commuter railroad the last few months, I have noticed just how many people use laptops to get work done on their ride to or from work or school. Yes, I’m not the only one! And I’m happy to say that many of us have made the smart choice. One night recently I noticed 7 other people using laptops in my car, and 5 of them were assorted Macs!