Notes

Ok, this is my first attempt to use TextMate to post here.

Although I've used ecto up until now, I was not totally happy with it, and now with the Macbook, I prefer to use only Universal Binaries. So no ecto.

Will see how it goes. If you can read this, then it's not that bad...

Posted by Pedro Melo at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (view)

Apparently Apple doesn't like blue, it prefers green.

And I got it.

So far the two Apple Knowledge Base articles referred there, 302520 and 302679, don't work with me. I've also used the Mac OS X that already came with the Macbook.

If this isn't solved soon, I'll backup my Home and Applications folder and reinstall the laptop.

Back to the diapers...

Posted by Pedro Melo at 10:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (view)

Some Macbook Pro notes:

• It has a name, Mr. Tray (without the dot). The sheer size makes that a suitable name;
• Encoding a 40 minute clip with Handbrake takes 21 minutes, the fan is always on as expected, but the heat is acceptable on my legs (flesh on the metal). I'll have to try it with my TiBook to compare the heat;
• Wireless signal is much much better than the TiBook, as expected;
• Battery life seems good. Right now, with Handbrake is using 150% of the CPU, with 8 threads, and the expected battery life is around 2:00 hours. I expect my common usage will yield about 5 hours;
• I'm using NetNewsWire in widescreen mode now, much better. I have to try the Mail.app plugin that does the same, after I migrate my mail.

The 17" is clearly not for everyone. It's a big sucker, and walking with this 3kg computer around makes some of my friends look at me funny. But it fits very nicely with my workflow.

Very happy so far.

Posted by Pedro Melo at 03:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (view)

I can't believe the amount of work I've been having the past few days: new baby, new macbook pro, new schedules...

I haven't open my mail in 6 or 7 days now, and I started by cutting from 230 feeds to 200. I will do a new round of cleanups to reduce them to 100. I have about 30 work related, so 100 seems good. If you have sent me mails, sorry. I should be back to looking at them next week.

The new baby is taking a lot of time. Everything is going well, both with him and my wife. And he is very peaceful. But the extra care and attention the older one requires now, is consuming all my time. It's an excellent investment for sure...

Weather in Portugal, and in Figueira more specific is amazing. Lots of walks with the kids.

Regarding the Macbook Pro, I got my 17" last Thursday, after they arrived at FNAC Norte Shopping. So fr so good. A couple of items of interest:

• It's fast, very fast;
• the screen is amazing. I can work outside in the middle of the day, without any problem;
• it's hot! I'm amazed Apple hasn't gotten sued by someone in the states. Don't even think on running this puppy over your bare legs;
• the fan is always working. It's pretty silent, but it's there. It's not a problem for me because my previous powerbook was also pretty much always with the fan on. And this one is quieter than the older one;
• CenOS was installed on a Parallels virtual machine without any problems, very cool;
• So far most my apps are running ok;
• battery time seems great so far, but my usage has been pretty light so far.

More later, if I can get the time.

Posted by Pedro Melo at 05:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (view)

It's a boy, 3.0Kg, 49.5cm length, and he arrived in the 1 o'clock express yesterday afternoon.

Version 3.0 of myself is now in training for the most impressive processing machine, transforming large quantities of milk in large quantities of a smelly brown substance that fils entire diapers.

Older son still thinks this new toy moves a lot, and prefers to play with trains.

Mother is well, as can be expected with all the drugs.

Posted by Pedro Melo at 09:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (view)