Previously, I had written about my decision to buy a netbook over an iPad. Having recently spent a week with a netbook and a few days with an iPad, I have not only decided my first instinct was correct, but I’ve also become increasingly disappointed with Apple. Here is what I’ve found through using these 2 devices.

The iPad is a beautiful and well made device—it’s sexy, that’s what Apple does. One thing is for sure, no one will be able to compete with Apple’s touch technology (at least not for quite a while). And the iPad apps are also one of a kind. I have an iPhone, so those don’t impress me too much. So, what is so bad about it?

It isn’t built for multiple windows

If you are anything like me, you have at least 3 (and usually many more) active windows open at one time—switching between one application to another and from window to window. Now, I know the iPhone os 4.0 is fast approaching which will be able to handle simultaneous running applications, but that won’t change my opinion on this one. I like to quickly bounce from window to window.

Take a task like researching a new electronic. Using Safari, you want to open cnet.com for editor reviews, youtube.com for video reviews and possibly amazon.com to read customer reviews (just to name a few). On the iPad, this task is slow and cumbersome. It doesn’t function like Safari on your computer—it doesn’t have traditional tabs. You have to click to open the dashboard of open windows, click one and repeat. Why don’t they just add tabs? It’s not like the iPhone—there is space for this.

Built for entertainment

The iPad is really built for entertainment—things like playing games and watching tv. Yes, you can read email (again, I have an iPhone) and you can use apps that serve as utilities. It just feels like it’s a device that’s built to keep you from every having to be without a screen.

No flash

Flash isn’t something that I’m always dying to see, but it just feels like a childish battle between Adobe and Apple.

Storage space

64 GB (the most expensive option) is just not enough—and there is no way around this. I’m a huge fan of things like box.net and dropbox, but Apple has set up file upload limits for these online storage apps. Knowing this makes me doubt the addition of a usb port anytime soon. Apple, it seems, would rather you spend the money to upgrade your entire device (or be forced to have to constantly edit your storage choices).

Conclusion

I’ve never doubted Apple. I’ve never been anything but smitten with any of their products. But, as they start to rule the trendy application market, they have become increasingly snobby limited. Their products are the best in their category—and they know that. Things like the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad are all far superior to their closest competitor.

Who is the iPad perfect for? People who don’t need anything but email and internet. The apps are a huge bonus. If you regularly use a powerful mac, and your work depends on it, the iPad is really just a frivolous purchase. Do I want one? Sure, if I have money to blow. But, it definitely can’t do anything my iPhone or MacBook Pro can’t.

I just feel like I’m in the middle. I’m stuck. I have decided on a netbook—but I do know that it won’t be near the product that Apple could create. But, then again, I can’t wait around for Apple. It doesn’t look like they will be producing anything like a netbook anytime soon. They have the Air (too much) and the iPad (too little). And it looks like they are happy serving those 2 markets. Apple likes to tell us what we need instead of giving us what we want. Gotta respect that, but it is frustrating.

Google has always felt like one of those logos/brands that you just can’t touch. Based on the typeface Catull, it’s nothing ground breaking but it has always been unique because it truly mirrors the Google brand (open and accessible). I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed (or at least took note) of the new google logo, colors and icons. So, what has Google changed—and why do I like it?

Good riddance to drop shadows

I really can’t believe it took this long. The previous version was horrific—you can’t barely read the text it’s so buried in the depths of its own shadow. I know we were all excited when we figured out how to give text a drop shadow, but this is one of those tricks that you either need to learn to refine or be banned to the WordArt club. The new shadow is well used, softer and it creates a simplicity that Google stands for.

Refined colors (and softer bevels)

Nothing major—in fact they might be the very same colors Google has been using all along. It’s really hard to tell beneath all that beveling and embossing! The new version uses a more refined way of creating some gradual depth, a little gradient and maybe a hint of bevel. I particularly like the golden “o” which gets used in the search pagination at the bottom.

Left sidebar and new icons

I am still not sure I like the new icons—not that I like the old ones either. They are colorful, simple and understandable, but they do feel a little gratuitous and not totally Google-like. The “News” icon is particular troubled. “Everything” looks like a last minute thought since they didn’t design anything new for this one. And, the idea of the left sidebar is something I’m still getting visually used to. Before, I only noticed this sidebar on the “Shopping” results so I’m finding I need to keep reminding myself that my search results aren’t items for sale. It’s going to take a little getting used to.

Conclusion

I’m happy and I’m adjusting. I definitely don’t miss the drop shadow or the obvious bevel. The sidebar is still something I’m not sure I need—the drop down at the top of the page worked just fine. Just do a little search in Google and see what you think.

How are the new colors and icons working for you?

With the release of the long awaited iPad, people are caught between the two electronic options. Netbooks have recently dominated the travel market. Is the iPad a revolutionary replacement or just a superfluous gadget?

At the end of this summer I will be traveling and I just can’t imagine taking my 15″ Macbook Pro. Too heavy and too precious (yes, all apple products are precious). Unfortunately, I am too afraid of being out of touch that I really convinced myself that an electronic travel companion was in order. Here is what I plan to use the machine for:

• Email and internet browsing
• Photo storage (I’d like to dedicate one machine to store all photos)
• Skype video
• To use the PC version of QuickBooks—the mac version is lacking one important feature (process invoicing)
• Internet Explorer website testing

So, with those personal requirements in mind (and there are other features that would be nice to have as well) let’s see how the iPad and netbooks compare.

First up, the iPad.

Pros:

• Beautiful display
• Unique interactivity. The experience of “holding” a website is truly unique.
• It’s an Apple product (this is an automatic leg up over any product)
• Could be a nice book reader (although I don’t see myself doing this)
• You can view netflix instant movies on it (I have to say I love my Roku)
• It’s a sexy new product

Cons:

• Price
• Storage space (64GB is the max which really drives the price into a ridiculous category)
• Need an adapter to insert SD cards
• No camera (what a miss for Apple)
• No usb ports (for portable space or peripherals)
• Need to carry and external keyboard if you really want to get anything done
• Doesn’t run a full OS
• Kind of feels like it’s my iPhone on steriods

And netbooks (generically speaking):

Pros:

• Can run a full OS
• Hard drive space
• Keyboard
• SD card slot
• USB ports
• Front-facing camera
• Battery life
• A little larger screen
• Price

Cons:

• They are PCs (it’s like going to the dark side)
• Not made by Apple
• No touch screen (in general and certainly not one as refined as the iPad)

My conclusion.

The iPad really missed the mark. Apple does this every time they release a new sexy product. They tease you with the basics—then, a year later, they release the very thing it should have been to begin with. No camera, limited space and the OS were all pretty close to deal breakers for me. Buying an iPad would have been a truly superfluous purchase. It would give me nothing that my iPhone doesn’t already give me aside from a larger screen.

So, I’m going with a netbook. It’s just a better value—hands down. Looking at the pros and cons lists, a pc user might think that this should have been a no-brainer for me. But, if you are a mac user (like myself) you would understand the value of a mac product.

I will be receiving my netbook next week (it’s a Toshiba T115-s1125). The process of researching an selected a netbook is an entirely different post.

I know the netbook was the right choice for me but is it for you?

(Sorry pc’s, most of these are mac apps) Each person is different, but this is a great selection of what I consider to be the “best of” for each phase of productivity.

First, let me set my criteria for selecting applications:

• Mac application
• Nice user interface (it has to be pretty)
• I work on 2 different computers so some sort of syncing
• Needs to work well with iCal and Address Book (when relevant)
• Simple—not too much and not too little
• Cheap or free

Starting off—email

I have to say, Apple Mail. Two other alternatives, and close runner-ups, would be Postbox and Thunderbird. Apple mail just has some really nice integration with iCal and Address Book.

Task manager

Culture Code’s Things. This category of applications I could talk about in depth. I’ve tried several. Things is simple, nice interface and has a nice iphone app (although I don’t use it). The reason I’ve really committed to it is because of the way it shows relevant things when I need to see them. I can date tasks but I can also choose which ones to show today. Some nice alternatives are Omnifocus and Pagico. Omnifocus does more than things, but too much. Pagico is great too, but it’s more of a combination of task manager and project manager.

Things doesn’t really have a syncing system so I needed to implement one. I’ve chosen to use Dropbox as a way to keep both machine on the same page.

Project manager

Basecamp. This too is a category where I’ve tried many alternatives. I’ve finally realized when to use something like Basecamp versus something like Things. You really have to separate the 2 processes. I use Things for daily tasks, projects that don’t include a collaborator and projects that are small or short lived. 37signals provides a nice set of tools alongside of Basecamp although none of which we use daily. This is the 3c32 winner because of it’s nice integration of email. I can login to Basecamp and manage projects but my clients can be a part of a project an never really login. When I send them a message it shoots to their email and replies are posted and archived in the system. Seamless.

Password management

1Password. This has really saved my life—many times. It integrates perfectly with Firefox or Safari.

File sharing

Box. Email is no place for large files. Box is a great way to upload files and send links for clients to download. There is also an option to “collaborate” on a folder for projects that have a lot of assests.

Syncing

Dropbox. I love dropbox. At first I was thinking about this like a file sharing application—but it’s not, at least not for me. I use this to keep files in sync between my 2 machines—this includes some applications such as Things.

Accounting

Less Accounting. This one is in the big application category, but our solution is something I’d like to share. I love the Less Everything guys. Their application are simple, nice looking and fun to use. Less Accounting has turned bookkeeping into something somewhat enjoyable. One of the best features is that our bank account information is automatically pulled into our account.

Time tracking

Less Time Spent. Mainly because we use Less Accounting. They just play well together.

Notes and more

Evernote. This can do so much but I use it for storing screenshots of website’s that give me inspiration.

I really think I could go on and on but I think I’ll stop there. This is the set that I use most often or at least on a daily basis. I’d highly recommend any one of these applications — if you have a better solution let me know.

Why recreate the wheel? Some applications were built to do one (or two) things really well. In the case of 3c32.com, Flickr and Twitter allow us to utilize the power of each application while seamlessly integrating with our website.

I’m sure Don has a lot of tech jargon to say about it. For me, the solution is perfect because the site is simple to update and we are plugged into 2 huge networks. The web is no longer a linear platform—it’s truly becoming a matrix of cross referencing information (even when you aren’t sure it’s happening).

We are constantly trying to overlay web content (for ourselves and our clients) to create a better connected and interactive experience. We hope to do more of this in the future—stay tuned!

So, update from a previous post. Less Time Spent was in fact a limited time free trial. I just logged in one day and wasn’t able to use any of the timesheets I had collected! I am back to an old alternative and one that works quite well—Paymo.

Paymo has a paid plan for those who want to use the system for invoices or for multi-users. For freelancers or one person use—it’s perfect and free.

The benefits of Paymo:

• It’s free—really
• It has a desktop widget so you don’t need to worry about closing browser windows
• The desktop widget can track if you have been idle and gives you the option to remove the time spent during this idle period—perfect if you forget to click “stop”.
• Invoicing tool should you choose to use it
• Track entries by Clients » Project » Tasks
• Nice chart overview on the homepage
• Reports—as all systems have

With any productivity tool—it’s only as valuable as you make it. Here’s how I use it:

• I don’t track time for EVERYTHING—just the items that make sense to be diligent about such as projects that I’m billing hourly or projects that I really want to see how long they take for future reference
• I use the widget, this way I can be free with Firefox
• I don’t bother with task templates. I set up a project and add tasks as I go—for example, if I am working on a website my tasks will start out as initial meetings, homepage designs, edits…
• Once a project is finished I archive it so I don’t need to keep looking at it

Are there any issues with Paymo?

Well, the only annoying thing for me, is that the widget won’t let me add projects. To add a new project I have to login to the website. Not a huge issue, but a little annoying.

So, hats off to a truly free system that lends a hand to those who don’t want to pay yet another $10/month subscription fee!

So, I’m sure you’ve seen the new “buzz”—literally. And I’m sure you’ve seen the number of articles that have followed. At first, I found myself buying into the criticism that google was trying to hard to be the social network it will never be. Google has been trying—in many ways—through many different platforms: Buzz, Wave, Groups, Apps, Chat… But, thanks to Don, I’ve been reminded why we love google.

It’s simple. Google likes to play with others.

But, having said that…how are you using Buzz? Or are you?

Maybe this is an unfair comparison. Both are simple and free (for the time being) web-based timers built for those who want to bill hourly (or just keep track of project-based time). There are other online web apps that will track your time, but I find that most try and do too much—such as create invoices or clients/customer based projects.

UPDATE: Neither. I was fooled—please see the update of our time tracking application, Paymo.

Slim Timer

Visit Site →

I started using Slim Timer over a year ago. I have to note that I’ve been using this on a mac, so I can’t really comment on the pc features. Here is my breakdown:

PROS:

• simple
• nice interface
• ability to add comments per time entry
• tagging
• task sharing (with coworkers)
• reports feature
• free

CONS:

• pop out can become a problem when clicking links in things like emails (since they will load in a tiny window replacing your timer)
• features are not updated often (pretty close to the exact same thing as it was 1 year ago)
• Reports aren’t as simple as I’d like them to be.

Less Time Spent

Visit Site →

I have just recently started using this application. But—I’m happy with it.

PROS:

• nice interface
• simple
• ability to reference a task within a project timer with a drop down
• Expenses feature
• Quick list of times spent on each project
• reporting
• sharing (with teams)

CONS:

• No desktop component

The Winner is

And this is in my personal experience—Less Time Spent. It’s much quicker to use and it allows you to quickly reference anything you might need to create an invoice.

With online timers you gain the huge benefit of being able to track your time on any machine. However, the downside is being tied to an open browser window.

To get around this—I’ve started using Safari to track time (it’s not my default browser) and Firefox for all my other web browsing needs.

Like I mentioned before, there are so many time trackers out there—I really feel like the best on will be the one that fits with your current way of working. No organization application works if it takes you more time to use it than not.

It’s kind of a pain to have to track time—so you will definitely want an enjoyable and easy way to do it.

What’s the difference between a post and a page? In general, a post has a date and a page is for more permanent information.

Posts

A post is used for dated content and is, by default, arranged in chronological order. What do you use posts for? Most often a post is used for it’s original intended purpose (historically speaking) which is to create a weblog—or an online journal entry. But, since Wordpress is now often used for website content management, posts can be used for things like: news items, events, portfolio pieces, press and resources.

If your information needs to be archived and easily referenced, then posts are the way to go (whether the date is relevant or not). Posts are collections of like pieces of information. You can separate your posts by “categories” or “tags” (for a later discussion) to create different types of collections. For example, if a website wants to use posts to create new items and resources.

Pages

The best and most common example of a page is an “about” page. This type of information is something that doesn’t change (at least not on a regular basis) and it it something that you will likely want to reference in a consistent place.

Many times we get the question, “how do I get my site to come up when when someone searches for X”? It’s a great question. We can built a killer site, but it won’t do you any good unless someone sees it! The issue of SEO is a complex one—we do our best to ensure your site is well indexed by search engines, but more can be done. Google Adwords is a simple way to quickly get you link in front of users at the right time for a relatively low cost.

So, what is Google Adwords?

After you type in a keyword for a Google search, you will get a results page. To the right of your results, you will see a sidebar of links, titled “sponsored links”. These are results from Google Adwords campaigns.

Adwords is Google’s “pay-per-click-advertising” platform. These listings will show up on Google search result pages (in the right sidebar) as well as on partnering site (such as AOL, Blogger, Earthlink…) and other non-partnering sites which is known as “contextual advertising” (that’s for another day).

How does it work?

1. You bid on keywords for your ad
2. When your keyword is searched by a user, google will display your ad
3. You only pay when a user clicks on your ad

Why should I use Adwords?

For newer websites, this is a quick way to get right in front of users. Since the top search results are based on time, popularity and relevance, your new site won’t be a great hit. By placing the right bid on keywords relevant to your content you will be able to be see at the “top” (on the right) with other search results.

Another reason to use Adwords is to for “target marketing”. You can get specific with who you are targeting and what for. Timing is everything and if a user is searching for a keyword (which is relevant to you) and your ad shows up—then they might be inclined to check out your site. And, at that moment, since they were searching for you in the first place, you might get a better return on investment.

Sounds great…but how much does this cost?

With every campaign (this is what adwords refers to each listing you are creating) you will have the ability to set a daily budget. Each keyword you set up will have a pay-per-click price (meaning the cost you pay ONLY if the listing is clicked on). Keywords that are more general will be more expensive—the more specific you can be the better your listing will perform and the less expensive it will be. For instance, “pizza” wouldn’t be a good keyword, but “Portland Maine pizza” might be a much better search term. These can be as low as $.05. The competition for the keyword will drive your placement in that list.

So, if you start today with “Portland Maine pizza”, and your listing is at the top  for only $.10 per click, and tomorrow 10 other people decide to bid on that exact phrase, your listing could now be the 5th listing or so. You might have to pay more per click in order to regain that 1st position.

It might be a good idea to get some help

Google Adwords is a relatively low cost way to “advertise” online—relative to buying online banner ads. However, in order to have an effective campaign, it might require quite a bit of time and attention to monitor and maintain. There is also quite a steep learning curve to Adwords. It might be worthwhile to have someone help you set up your campaign and monitor it for 3 months or so. This is especially helpful if you are having a product launch or something that needs to be timely.

Again, this is adwords in a nutshell…and a very small one at that. In addition to cost per click there is also the ability to target demographics and regions.

We welcome any beginners tips or comments that could help out the newbie Adwords campaigner!