Well, it’s a real boon to have a new, fast machine. But it’s also hugely distracting, because I have an irresistible urge to re-nest on the machine and spend two or three days immediately fixing my home work area, schlepping files around, and so forth.
Because I’ll be migrating from the first machine I used as a primary Mac OS X machine, it’s not going to be a simple matter of plunking my home directory and root library over onto the new machine – I fought tooth and nail against the Apple-assumed organization scheme when I came over and as a result I have crap scattered across about ten volumes.
Those volumes also represent a wide range of additional drives, both internally and externally connected to the old machine, and of course I cannot pop my internal 250gb drive into the laptop.
I kinda doubt I’ll have a budget for more goodies anytime soon, but here are some I’ll bookmark.
Villagetronic PCI video card – I have two desktop monitors I’d like to continue using. By default the Powerbook only supports one external monitor. This is a moderately unlikely purchase.
Some kind of stand for desktop use, like this, this, or this. Inexpensive, non-computer-market alternatives will be explored, as well. I’m currently using a plastic copy-holder. Unfortunately, the Powerbook’s hinges prevent opening the screen beyond about 75 degrees, and the slant of the copyholder means that the screen tilts in at about 15 degrees.
A sleeve for finish protection. I love these Acme designs, but instead of the zip closure and handles, I want a simple flap. Closure is only moderately important, so velcro or even ties would be ideal. I thought I remembered seeing very simple sleeves made of wetsuit neoprene with no detailing, but it looks as though the market has moved on.
A bit more Googling brought me to a Tom Binh product, the Mitre. Binh is locally based and even has a retail store in town, so this is promising. More closely reflecting my initial vizualization is this Tucano sleeve.
But Binh’s social factors are predominating, I have to say.
Oh! Do check out the neoprene sleevecases at http://sfbags.com/ You can get it with a simple velcro closure or they can add a flap with velcro closure. I sprang for the flap and shoulder strap and later ordered the piggy-back pouch. These things are indestructable, understated, and custom made for your machine (and the guys are really nice, too).
Maybe I’m missing something, but I run my PB closed. It sits on the foot/stand of my flat screen monitor (just to give a little air circulation underneath) and I have my full-size keyboard and mouse hooked into a USB hub. No need for a stand or neck craning. I’m sure your arrangement and usage is much more complex than mine, so you probably have a very good reason for running it open.
I do!
First, the monitor on the machine is much better than my old, decrepit CRTs.
Second, and possibly of interest to you, is that running PB closed – although perfectly acceptable – will also inevitably increase heat retention in the machine, thereby increasing the likelihood of heat death in the CPU.
I think the deciding factor is how intensively you use your machine. Given my propensity for disc-churning multitasking, I’ll be trying to run it open as much as possible.
Poking around the house today, i found a couple of new-in-packaging cheapie IKEA picture-display easels, made of soft pine. I do believe I can mod one into a lovely Powerbook easel.
Good heavens! I had no idea I could burn the little gal up doing that! Usually I only work with text programs, but when I work with Adobe CS I always work with my flatscreen and with the PB closed, and the fan *does* run like a little hamster on a treadmill! I’ll have to start clicking her open a bit! Thanks for the tip (although it would be a perfect excuse to buy that divine new G5 PB that is surely about to be unveiled in the next year or so…)
Did you have a look at the sleevecases?
Sorry- I got a little exclamatory in that previous comment.