Chez Kay: Mac Happy
Andrew Kay gets Mac-happy with a
new clutch of boys’ toys
When it comes to computers there is simply no choice as far as I am concerned. A long time Apple Macintosh fan, I cannot understand why anyone would want to own anything else. My first, 15 years ago, was borrowed and, by today’s standards, very ordinary. But It worked like a dream. In fact I wrote my first ever restaurant review, for what was then The Punter, on it.
Now I am Mac happy, or at least for the most part. I have four in total although only three of them are in use right now. And they talk to each other. Not conversationally, that would be both silly and scary. No, they communicate and share information. It means that if I book something into my diary at work, the same booking will appear on my laptop, which is grafted to my side, and at my desktop iMac at home. Total control of my busy schedule, wherever I am.
If it sounds good, then believe me it is. Or should I say is once more. A few weeks back my normally Mac-happy status was raised a notch by the arrival of some new Mac babies. I bought a Time Capsule – serious stuff; a Wacom Intuos thingy; a Mighty Mouse – don’t ask, and a new iPod touch. I know, I know, toys for boys and all that.
“Why the calendar thought I was in Cupertino USA I do not know”
The Mighty Mouse simply had to be turned on and configured, the Wacom thingy was a doddle to install and up and running within minutes. The Time Capsule took longer, had me confused, but eventually I got there and that too is now part of my little Mac group, talking away to my laptop and desktop computers and keeping everything backed up. Well I think it is.
The iPod touch, in many ways the simplest, proved to be far more confusing. The latest model is amazing and does loads, including email, internet and my all-important diary. Unfortunately it did not seem to be working. Whatever date and time I typed in, it would change to several hours later. There had to be an answer, but could I find it?
Then yesterday I had a eureka moment and found a little side menu tucked away that allowed me to check the iPod’s time zone for the calendar. It seemed to know only too well what time it was and the time zone for the clock. So why the calendar thought I was in Cupertino USA I do not know. I didn’t even know where Cupertino was until yesterday and then it all fell into place. Cupertino is where Apple Macintosh are based. I’m now back on schedule though and a Mac-happy bunny once more.
