Workspaces #2
Tom on November 24, 2009
My home office.
My office on the road.
This editor just realised he hadn’t posted a picture of my own workspace, where content for TB Tech originates. Although you will note it’s nearly dominated by Apple, don’t take this to mean my faith lies completely in that company! Apple simply makes products that are reliable, durable and attractive and are best suited for my life as a student, photographer, and journalist.
Here are the products that make up my workspace – both at home and on the road. Keep in mind – I’ve linked you to the products to buy. Most links are to Amazon USA so prices there are in US dollars.
My set-up consists of:
Apple MacBook (13-inch, aluminium, late 2008)
I call my MacBook the ‘limited edition’ – the aluminium MacBook lasted hardly half a year before the model nomenclature changed to redesignate the aluminium version a 13-inch MacBook Pro.
My MacBook has the 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor, a 250 GB hard drive, and 4 GB of Apple-installed RAM. It’s a real workhorse. I use the MacBook alone when I’m away from home and, like my 15-inch MacBook Pro before it, it’s always a reliable worker.
Apple Cinema Display (24-inch, LED, late 2008)
I love my Cinema Display. Although it carries a rather ‘strong’ price-tag, it’s simply an amazing monitor. The ultra-glossy, bright LED screen carries stunning blacks and all colours pop like nothing you have seen before it.
I bought the 24-inch LED model, which is still the only size in the new MacBook Pro-esque (LED) form factor. It is aesthetically beautiful, while its function is uncompromising. Great stuff.
Apple iPhone 3GS (16 GB, black)
Although it’s only a recent acquisition, my iPhone 3GS is an invaluable tool for productivity on the go. The preloaded apps take you quite far; however, the App Store’s unparalleled selection of applications to use on the go provides the most useful functionality.
I use note applications, camera applications, train-timetable applications, and even games on occasion. My iPhone runs with the Telstra Next-G network here in Australia, which has nearly blanketed 3G coverage around Australia. The internet is fast, reliable and enjoyable on the iPhone 3GS.
Apple Bluetooth Keyboard & Bluetooth Mighty Mouse
This pair simply complement the display and the home setup. The keyboard, I think, is actually quite good, although it’s not as comfortable as some specifically ergonomic ‘boards. However, I like the limited travel of the new style of keyboards from Apple.
The wireless Mighty Mouse, I find, is actually quite a good mouse for the home setup. I also carry a bluetooth Logitech in my bag for when I’m on the road, but I do prefer the Mighty Mouse for menial home tasks like web browsing, photo editing, and getting work done.
Western Digital Studio external hard drive (1 TB, silver)
Although I use a Time Capsule for wireless internet, I trust the WD hard drives more for my Aperture vault storage, and for local Time Machine backups. It’s a solid, reliable drive that also looks good with the rest of the setup thanks to its aluminium build.
Apple Time Capsule (500 GB)
Based on the Apple AirPort Extreme, this is a great wireless router. I love it to bits; I have never had to crawl under the desk to reset it like I had to do weekly with my old Netgear router! The Time Capsule can also be used for wireless backups through Time Machine – this is its main selling point – but I use my local attached external hard drive.
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That’s it. I am very satisfied with this setup – it’s pleasing to the eye and it just works. I’ve not had any significant trouble that couldn’t be fixed in seconds; it’s perfect for my needs for academics, research, photography, and blogging too.
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