Ah yes, finally Apple has released the first revision of the Intel-based MacBook Pro. It's an update I've been waiting for and I wasted no time getting one from the St. Louis Apple Store. This is not a full review of the new Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro, but more of a first impression. I'll add that this is the first time that I've really sat down for more than a few minutes with any of the new Intel Macs. I should also add that my primary Mac has been a 1 GHZ 12" PowerBook (768 MB of RAM) purchased in late 2003 so that's what I'm comparing it to. I've also been using the 1.6 GHZ G5 iMac (1 GIG of RAM) though I use the iMac less often.

My MacBook Pro is the base model, 2.16 GHZ Core 2 Duo and 1 GIG of RAM. My first reaction was not at all surprising: WOW. This is one very fast machine. FAST! Tasks such as opening a RapidWeaver site that previously took 15-20 seconds, now take only 2-3 seconds. Most applications open up in 1 bounce. It is a bit bizarre to look up at MenuMeters and see 2 processor indicators! Thus far I've been using my usual apps: Safari, Vienna, iChat, Mail, iCal, Remote Desktop, iTunes, RapidWeaver, Smultron, FileMaker Pro, and iPhoto. Most of those are open at this very moment and the computer is cool and silent. What I've seen as that the processors are each staying at 7% or less. Compare that to the 12" PowerBook which had the processor consistently at 15 -35%. I have yet to notice the fan kick in. Lots of folks have discussed the heat generated by the MacBook and the MacBook Pro. I have no doubt that there are certain tasks that would kick the processor up and the fan would indeed come on but for my normal, day-to-day work I'm enjoying a rather cool MBP!

The keyboard is very nice and seems to be identical to the 12" PowerBook with the exception of the very cool background light. I wish there was a way to adjust when the background light comes on though. As it is it comes on in low light which means it is on quite alot. I'd rather it only come on in very low light. The speakers are very nice for a laptop though I don't expect to use them too often as I'll be using the old PB, now attached to the television and sound system as me media hub. The screen is bright and oh so nice! Not a single dead or stuck pixel. Last but not least is the built in iSight camera which is quite cool. We will eventually get a highspeed connection out in these woods and when we do I intend to use the iSight for video iChats with clients. At the moment the camera is, at the very least, fun to use with Photo Booth. I'd imagine that it would also prove useful for anyone interested in a videocast.

I have yet to notice any kind of exterior blemish or irregularity on the case of the MBP. The wireless connection to my Airport Express seems to be equal to that of the 12" PowerBook. I won't comment on battery life as I've not had enough time to condition/callibrate the battery.

The experience thus far: fantastic.


Technorati Tags: Apple, OS X, MacBook Pro, Core 2 Duo

A few weeks ago I discussed the FileMaker Pro invoicing solution I was creating for tracking MacProductive clients. Shortly after writing that I used Automator and Mac OS X Folder Actions to add a nifty new feature to FileMaker's ability to send a pdf. Basically FMP makes it very easy to use a script to create a pdf and then create an email that attaches that pdf. But by default this pdf file is overwritten the next time around by a new file of the same name. This is a problem if I want to save the pdf. Yes, its true that the pdf is attached in my archive of sent mail and can be easily retrieved but I like the idea of having a folder of date organized pdfs. The solution is an Automator action saved as a Folder Action script which is then attached to the designated folder. So here's what happens when I click the "Email Invoice" button in my database:

1. The invoice status as marked as "Invoiced Emailed" and given a date stamp
2. 
   
3. A pdf titled "MacProductive Invoice.pdf" is created in a folder called Invoices
4. 
   
5. FMP creates a new email addressed to the client with the subject MacProductive Invoice with the invoice date
6. FMP attaches the new pdf invoice to the email
7. 
   
8. The Folder/Automator Action attached to the Invoices folder kicks springs into action and renames the pdf by adding the current date to the beginning and a trailing serial number then moves it into an Invoice Archive folder
9. 
   
10. Done!

All I have to do is add a note to my client in the body of the email and click send. Each invoice is now archived and easy to find by date should I need it.

Technorati Tags: Apple, OS X, FileMaker Pro, Automator, Folder Actions, Invoicing, Small Business