Comments on: Hi, I’m a Mac (continued)

By: Rickard

Rickard — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:26:21 +0000

I’m not sure what you mean by “claw” position. Which finger do you use for the command key? Personally, I use my thumb. Takes a bit of getting used to, but now I think I prefer it to using my pinky for ctrl, at least from an ergonomic standpoint.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:31:03 +0000

Er, hit enter a bit too soon. Here’s a link to the best program I’ve found for the Mac so far. It allowed me to disable the Option and Command keys and have the Control key take over their functionality. Now I am able to fly around on this Mac like my other computers. Fantastic! If I meet whoever coded this godsend of a program drinks are on me. :)

http://doublecommand.sourceforge.net/index.html

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:57:31 +0000

Hi! I’m just starting to use Macs and I have to say that I’m mostly underwhelmed by all of the hype. I’ve been a software developer for the past 12 years and I find the reliance on the command key very clunky. It actually has caused sharp shooting cramps in my left hand due to the “claw” position contortion required to access it. The control key sits in a perfect position to spread out my fingers and quickly access all of the shortcuts. Furthermore, the keyboard “shortcuts” in OSX often involve 3 or 4 keys for the Linux/Windows 2-key equivalents. I wish they would just nuke the command button or at least offer a alternative command set that uses standard keys for the shortcuts. It’s enough that it’s convinced me *not* to switch.

By: Rickard

Rickard — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 09:05:41 +0000

I still love it. Don’t think I can ever go back to running Windows again :)

Regarding PHP, I suggest you post your questions in the punbb.org forums. There’s a programming section suited for this.

By: Sam Rusch

Sam Rusch — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 03:02:28 +0000

I know that I’m VERY late on this topic, but I’m just glad to hear that you switched to a Mac and you are liking it. Well, at least you were back then. How are you liking it now?

Also, is there any possibility that you and I could talk about a few things regarding PHP. I need someone who can help me with PHP layouts. I’ll explain to you if you contact me back, thanks!

By: francks

francks — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 17:48:44 +0000

I just switched over so I empathize with what you are going through. I wrote a couple of entries in my blog as well to describe my switch :) I love the machine too, but as with any transition, it requires some time I guess. I would suggest you take a look at Parallels Desktop. It’s an amazing application for those “switchers”.

As for removing the dock, you can check http://www.macosxtips.co.uk/index_files/remove-the-dock.html but I’m not sure you want to disable it altogether. Autohiding does it for me.

Thanks for the tips and if you find a way to program the mouse to do a backspace in Firefox let me know :)

By: Jarkko

Jarkko — Mon, 25 Dec 2006 22:28:04 +0000

I’ve also been tempted by the Macs for a while, but I’ve been reluctant to buy one mostly because of their price (mainly the eventual upgrade costs).

I’d post a funny joke about Mac users but I failed miserably at trying to find (a funny) one, so I just wish you good luck with your new Mac. At least now you’re safe from virii, dozens of reinstalls per year and . :)

By: Ethan Poole

Ethan Poole — Mon, 25 Dec 2006 02:50:34 +0000

Well, most of these things you mention I felt the exact same way when I started using a Windows machine! I have been using Macs since elementary school, so I get on a Windows PC and experience the same stuff, just in reverse.

I got use to the use of CTRL versus command, so I assume you can do the reverse. The Mighty Mouse does feel different than the old puck-style mouses, but I have grown use to it.

The dock I was originally annoyed by, because it was something new in OSX. However, I cannot think of any way to hide it. I have grown use to this too.

Congrads on your Mac though! :-)