mac, macintosh, health, iPod, diet, exercise, treo, software, macbook, iMac, opinion

Macs

I’ve been using Macs and Wintels for 25 years. For personal use, the Mac has always been the more productive, more elegant, better tool. For most of that period, the Windows’ boxes were the only choice for job performance, allowing me to tie into Outlook and central databases for finance/accounting tools. That has mostly changed with Apple’s OS X. I used one of the few Macs in a Windows dominated higher ed environment, was able to (almost) seamlessly use the Outlook server and services, could get to all chared drives, the accounting app through the terminal server, etc. It worked just fine. So buy a Mac.

The Stevenote is over and the new Intel based Macs are here. Check out the new iMacs and MacBook Pro through the links below. Buy through these links to support LostInaFog.com!

Amazon Mac Page is the best place to start your search for Macs and Mac accessories & software.

The new iMac is truly an awesome machine. Everything you need is built in, its as cool as an iPod, and the screen is killer.

The Mac Mini is the coolest little box available. Connect it to the PC or Mac keyboard and screen you already own, or match it up with an Apple keyboard and Mighty Mouse. Add in a great new screen, like Apple’s 23″ HD display and you have one bitchin’ system. Do it, do it!

MacWorld 2006 brought the first Apple pro portable with Intel inside. The new MacBook Prois 4-5X faster than the last generation of PowerPC PowerBooks. Take a look–very tempting! I want one!

Looking for a different Mac? The Amazon Mac Page will get you there. Amazon is sporting some $150 rebates on certain Mac systems. Check them out!

iPods

They are the coolest little gadgets in the Universe. You know you want a second one!

4GB iPod Nano in black is gadget coolness nirvana.

Or if you are wanting a bit more heft, grab the 60GB Video iPod. You load your favorite music, photos from your iPhoto library, and great video content ranging from video podcasts to the hot network TV shows.

Mac Software

Your Mac comes with Apples complete set of “digital lifestyle” apps–iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iCal, iChat, iTunes and the rest. But you will need more. Intuit still makes the best personal finance apps for the Mac and you’ll want to pick up TurboTax Premiere and Quicken 2006.

If you are the organized type, or just really want to be, get a copy of OmniOutliner Pro to use as part of your GTD or KGTD system. It is the most used non-web app on my PowerBook. And check out Apple’s cool duo of Keynote and Pages packaged as iWork ‘05. Keynote beats PowerPoint hands down. Make your next presentation not like everybody elses.

Even Macs need a little help to overcome the bumps in the road. If you need a good utility, pick up either TechTool Pro or Disk Warrior–nothing is better on the Mac.

Diet & Exercise

I’m on a year long quest for better health and a better body. I’m tired of being lusted after for my wit and intelligence–give me some of those sidelong looks from the women at the gymn! So I’m showing up at my local YMCA 3-4 times/week for an hour plus of cardio and weights. And because I’m a guy I can’t do any job with out tools and gadgets. Here is what I’m using:

My Palm Treo 650 is my mobile brain. I found this nifty little program that is working great for me. It is the Diet & Exercise Assistant by Keyoe, Inc. They also make a version for PocketPC and Windows desktops (no Mac? come on guys). It allows you to set your weight loss goals and timeframe, choose the kind of diet you’re want to follow (Atkins like low-carbohydrate, or more evenly low fat diets, etc). It has an extensive database of foods, including from a ton of chain restaurant menus. Every day you weigh in, input your weight, keep track of everything that passes your lips and even your exercise sessions. It definitely helps to keep you on the right track to note everything you eat and get instant feedback on your calorie goal progress during the day.

Scales are necessary and available in 4053 flavors, give or take. I’m betting you have one already. But weight is not the only good metric for weight loss success. Use the Omron Body Fat Analyzer to regularly calculate your BMI and body fat percentage. This one is cheap and intuitive to use.

Want a daily dose of motivation to help you along the way? My favorite diet motivation podcast is Scott Smith’s Motivation to Move. Subscribe to it on iTunes and put something good in your ears most everyday. It goes well with the warmup on the treadmill.

…and more coming

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