Digital Tools

My Everyday Carry

/ Pete Denison / 5 Comments

Untitled

My initial post on this site introduced a passion for the various tools (both digital and analogue) I enjoy using to either plan, or get the job done. Whatever the particular “job” may be.

I have previously written about some of my “digital tools” in the form of the apps Day One and Byword, however an overview of the devices on which I use them, and some other “analogue” tools is best described in the style of post featured on sites such as the Everyday Carry; who also define this term as:

Everyday Carry, or EDC, generally refers to small items or gadgets worn, carried, or made available in pockets, holsters, or bags on a daily basis to manage common tasks or for use in unexpected situations or emergencies. In a broader sense, it is a lifestyle, discipline, or philosophy of preparedness.

Though the above sentiment is a valid one, you won’t find any knives, multi tools, torches or the like here. Thinking of a killer blog post idea (though you may argue that hasn’t happened yet!) and not having the tools on hand to record it is about as dangerous as my day gets. However, as someone who prefers to travel lightly on my daily commute, this is reflected in the tools I choose to work with. To and from work I use an Oroton black leather messenger bag in a similar style to this one.

Digital Carry

Both the iPhone and iPad undergo reasonably heavy use on a daily basis. The iPad is mainly used for early morning writing of blog posts or drafting reports for work, checking email, catching up on RSS feeds and reading magazines or ebooks. The iPad also fills the hour-long commute home, which is when I watch my favourite TV shows.

The iPhone usage is scattered throughout the day, heaviest on the commute to work, which invariably involves listening to podcasts and/or drafting or outlining posts for this site. Intermittently throughout the day it will also be used for Twitter and App.net, checking email, jotting down quick notes and getting tasks into Omnifocus. A few phone calls and text messages complete the picture.

Though two sets of ear phones may seem unnecessary, I use the TDK noise cancelling version for watching TV shows on the commute home, whereas the ear pods are for listening to podcasts or music in the mornings. The reason being I often continue listening during the 10 minute walk to work once off the bus, and walking around with the noise cancelling ones can be annoying due to the battery unit hanging part way down the audio lead.

Analogue Carry

  1. Oroton slim credit card holder
  2. Kaweco Sport Classic Ballpoint Pen
  3. Retro 51 Stealth Tornado Ballpoint Pen
  4. Montblanc Meisterstuck Fountain Pen
  5. Moleskine Cahier (Navy blue) Extra Large Notebook

The analogue tools – where to begin?

The slim credit card sleeve functions as my wallet and generally contains two credit cards, a couple of notes, my driver’s license and Medicare card. Anything more and it begins to feel not so “slim”. I don’t usually carry any coins if I can help it.

The pens and paper are generally used during my lunch break, to brain storm ideas for work projects or to generate or flesh out ideas for the next post on this site. My choice of the Moleskine cahier extra-large is dictated by needing a lightweight but reasonably sized notebook to carry to and from work (it is not required to fit in my pocket); pages that cope with all my pen types (fountain pen included); has a pocket for storage of note cards and other scraps of paper (a mobile “inbox” of sorts); and fits my iPad (perfectly) inside the back cover, so everything is easily held whilst walking around.

My current everyday pen is the Kaweco, after using the Retro 51 for approximately 12 months (both of which were purchased subsequent to becoming a listener of the Pen Addict podcast, a fact that would not surprise regular listeners of the show). The compact size and light weight of the Kaweco make it an ideal pen to carry. The Mont Blanc fountain pen is now 16 years old, and was a gift from my wife on our wedding day, therefore having value over and above anything else I own. I simply love writing with this pen (and I simply love my wife….even more than the pen).

What Next?

I plan on downsizing to an iPad mini later in the year (after the model upgrade), and am looking forward to the smaller size and weight which will further satisfy my relatively minimalist tendencies. Despite the fairly heavy reliance on the iPad for much of my writing workflow, I don’t believe I will lose any functionality with the smaller screen, given it still contains two-thirds the real estate of the regular iPad. An iPad mini will also fit into the back pocket of the cahier notebook, rather than merely sitting inside the back cover.

No upcoming pen changes on the horizon, though always a substantial number of options are presented via the podcast indicated above (which for that matter also applies to notebooks and other stationery items – Field Notes Night Sky edition currently on its way).

A little research is also planned in relation to altering the nib size on the Mont Blanc (towards a finer nib size), however I am yet to look into cost and how this may be done.

Conclusion

The above set up allows me to achieve everything I set out to on a day-to-day basis, with other physical items such as chargers etc remaining at my office desk for the times I need to top things up. As my iPad is a 16GB WiFi model, I set up the personal hotspot through my phone when out of the office, and email anything back to my desk I may be working on if it is required later in the day. Draft blog posts and updates in Byword sync via Dropbox and can be further edited on my phone whilst commuting home if required. There are a number of iOS apps I use to mesh things with my office work (a soul crushing Windows corporate network), however that is for another post.

I will be sure to provide an update to this post as things change in the future.

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As the Dust Settles – my RSS setup

/ Pete Denison / Leave a comment

Leading up to the shutdown of Google Reader on July 1, I gave consideration to a number of options regarding where I would turn for my RSS feed source, and whether this would in turn lead to a change in my reader of choice.

Now almost a week later, I believe I have things pretty well sorted out for my needs. Feedly’s free service has been working well as my feed source, and though their style of reader does the job well, I prefer a slightly different interface when reading my articles. As far as the performance of the free service is concerned, I have had no problems at all. Many ‘power users’ will most likely prefer the advanced features of a paid reader such as Feed Wrangler or Feedbin, however Feedly has done everything as expected for my usage pattern.

So, the readers (my consumption is entirely on iOS – I have no need for a Mac or PC application)…

iPad – Mr Reader

Mr Reader screenshot

At least 90% of my RSS feed consumption is done through my iPad, as I generally have enough time when connected to WiFi either early in the morning or evening to sync and get through my feeds (which generally number around 80–100 articles per day on average). The key features I require? Simply a UI that is appealing to me, and easy sharing, scrolling and an article view I can customise. As I have just listed features of every available reader, the choice then comes down to the overall style of the reader, and Mr Reader fits the bill here nicely.

Mr Reader. 2

iPhone – Reeder

Reeder Screenshots

Reeder had been my iPad reader of choice for some time leading up to this change, however does not at this time have Feedly support (I believe the app has been pulled from the App Store whilst under further development). A recent update to the iPhone app now integrates Feedly support, and on the odd occasion when I do use my phone to catch up on articles, Reeder does the job well, and I find the UI very well designed for use on the iPhone.

Reeder Screenshots

Conclusion

With the many services out there available for both the ‘feed’ and the ‘read’ end of RSS consumption, there is a great opportunity to try a few combinations and find a set up which suits your needs. Whilst the above system may not be for everyone, the interfaces and functionality are spot on for me at the current time. Let me know in the comments below of the system you have settled on, and how well it is working for you.

A reminder – you have until 15 July to export your list of feeds via Google Takeout, and if you haven’t done so already or migrated to another service I would strongly recommend doing so.

Via the App Store:

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Inbound Outbound – The power of mobile technology

/ Pete Denison / 1 Comment

The past month has seen a frenzy of prediction, adulation, debate and derision, all in the name of technology. From WWDC 2013 and what Apple has in store for us next, to the shut down of Google Reader, and the race to either be, or be a user of, the next big thing in RSS Feeds.

Amidst times like these it is easy to have our eyes fixed on the horizon, and overlook the power of what we have today. Nowhere is the power of today more evident to me than on my daily commute to and from the office. My own philosophy on this has always been “inbound for learning, outbound for burning”.

That is, on my way to work in the morning when I am fresh and (mostly) ready to take on the world, I ensure I undertake some form of education or self-development activity. However on the way home, when my brain is functioning somewhat sub-optimally, if at all, I allow myself to waste or ‘burn’ time by watching my favourite TV series.

“inbound for learning, outbound for burning”

The mobile technology I carry with me (16GB iPhone 4s, 16GB WiFi iPad) makes this all possible. In the morning, standing in line at the bus stop, I can:

  • Check today’s weather on Forecast
  • See what’s happening on Twitter through Tweetbot
  • Check and triage email using Mailbox for iOS
  • Post something interesting or witty on Glassboard for my family to read

Once on the bus and have an hour-long commute in front of me, I typically:

  • Listen to my favourite Podcasts through Downcast
  • Take notes about the podcast in Drafts, sending the notes to my Evernote account
  • Tap the show links and read further, view videos on the topics or download recommended apps to try
  • Search the web in Safari for additional information

Other days may involve reading books or articles in the Kindle app or iBooks, drafting blog posts in Byword, checking my calendar, adding tasks or reviewing projects in Omnifocus, or catching up on RSS feeds in Reeder. The journey is usually completed with a ten minute walk to the office and a few songs played via iTunes Match, making for an enjoyable last few minutes before those dreaded elevator doors close.

Home? Well that is an entirely different story. Again a quick check on Tweetbot and email at the bus stop, but once on the bus, I switch off and relax, catching up on TV shows using AV Player HD.

Upon reflection, the above I now take for granted (all of which were not possible even five years ago), some things so much so they are not even in the lists above (text messages, phone calls anyone?). The power we have to consume information or create content has never been greater, and this has certainly changed the way we go from A to B.

Do you have any typical patterns you follow or apps you use on your daily commute? Let me know in the comments below.

 

July 1… Google Reader’s Done

/ Pete Denison / 3 Comments

Google Reader

Given recent news you are likely aware (or perhaps are not depending on how you routinely consume your Internet content), Google Reader ceases to exist from 1 July this year.

For those who this means very little to, perhaps you should skip the rest of this article, or, if you are interested in a more efficient way to stay up to date with your favourite websites, then read on. If you are in the category of people that do use an RSS reader but this means very little to, then you definitively need to check out what is below, otherwise the reader you use will be a little light on for content come July.

Why should you care about this?

Probably the answer to this question begins with a description of what RSS is and actually does, and whether you therefore really need to be in any way concerned by what is coming in a few days.

What is RSS?

Really Simple Syndication (RSS), put simply, is a way to subscribe to your favourite website content in a way that avoids having to provide your email address and go on some sort of distribution list, which often involves receiving numerous emails with content you may not necessarily be interested in. It also provides a way around needing to bookmark and check in on your favourite sites regularly to avoid missing anything of interest that may be posted. In summary, it is a great way to stay up to date with a large (or small) volume of content in a time efficient way, and depending on what ‘feed reader’ you use, provides an easy means of saving articles to read later, or sharing with others.

The process itself is best summarised as follows:

  • a website creates an ‘RSS Feed’
  • once the feed is created, it is stored on a server ready for subscriptions
  • a feed ‘aggregator’ (most often Google – which the consumer creates an account with) then supplies the content to supported ‘RSS readers’
  • viewing or reading a particular feed is through an ‘RSS Reader’ application (through which the user logs in to their aggregator account and accesses their feed)

Therefore, the entire process requires the feed creation, storage and aggregation or collection at the back end, and a front end experience for the user that allows reading of the articles in their feed. This is where Google reader comes in (and for that matter is about to go out). Google Reader for many years has provided both the back end feed aggregation, as well as the ability for users to view their content through Google Reader (though the proliferation of mobile devices has increased many-fold the number of third party ‘Reader’ applications).

Google was not the first service of this nature, though due to its scale, and being at no cost to the user, quickly became the standard for this type of information transfer on the web. I am not sure of the exact statistics, but I would expect the majority of RSS Reader accounts use Google as their feed aggregator.

So, after July 1, Google will no longer be providing the feed content to the many third party applications currently utilising this service, with these applications either needing to develop their own back end feed aggregation, or support other services that have stepped in to fill the void.

As far as possible replacements go, remember we are talking about two distinct services here. Firstly, the feed aggregation (supply) of content, and secondly, the viewing or reading (consumption) of the content once it is delivered to you through a ‘reader’ application. Some alternative applications will do both, some will not.

Feed Aggregators

There are a few providers that are ready to step onto the breach and lead the charge in RSS feed aggregation (all of which also have readers):

  • Feedwrangler ($19 per year)
  • Feedbin ($2 per month or $20 per year)
  • Feedly (Free; paid pro option rumoured)
  • Newsblur (Free or paid options with additional features)
  • Digg (in development)

Those listed above are the more likely replacements for many users, and all have have their own forms of readers, either through a web app, and/or platform specific mobile apps. As can be seen, some are paid options, with the benefits of this being ongoing support of the developer, likely increasing the longevity of the service, and providing resources for ongoing support and upgrades or advanced features. As with many apps or services, there is always the fear that ‘free’ results in an unsustainable business model over the longer term (Google Reader was free remember; and no, Google is not struggling for cash, however part of the reason for shutting down Google Reader was to allocate resources to areas of the business that will generate revenue).

Readers

Although the feed aggregators above also serve as readers there are some very functionally and visually appealing third party readers that have relied on the Google feed for some time now. These will continue to exist, though will need to rely on feed content from elsewhere, most likely from the providers listed above. Some of the available reader applications include:

What do I use? Currently Feedly, which, once I created an account, synced all of my Google Reader feeds across, and is now running its own aggregator, Feedly Cloud, which I understand will also provide support to other third party reader applications. In the past I have also used Reeder, Flipboard and Feeddler Pro. All have good saving and sharing options, however very different interfaces. I switched to Feedly only recently, as it was one of the free services that offered replacement feed aggregation quite soon after Google’s announcement. Depending upon feed support options, I would be happy to recommend any of these apps, with personal preference playing a role in what type of interface you like to interact with. You will simply need to match the reader you choose with the supported feed provider – information readily available on the respective websites.

Should to wish read more, the following may be useful:

There are many resources out there regarding what may be better for you to use, and a simple Google search will bring up numerous articles to read on the subject. This brings us back to the original question of why you should care about this.

What you should do

If you are a ‘power user’ of these types of services you would already have a strategy in place and most likely aren’t reading this article anyway. For the rest of us, my recommendations are as follows:

  • export your list of feeds from Google Reader prior to July 1, instructions are contained in this Lifehacker article
  • open an account with a free service such as Feedly

The above options will give you an XML file of your exported feed list ready to import to another reader, and also a working aggregator and reader (Feedly), to keep things running in the short term when the shut down occurs. This will allow you more time to consider your options for the longer term. There will also be numerous reviews and opinions written after July 1 on how the various services are working, which is a good opportunity to read about any issues that may be occurring with a particular service, and allow any early bugs to be rectified before you commit to one or the other.

Another possibility that has been suggested is to abandon RSS altogether and use something like Twitter for following when your favourite creators post something new. Personally, I prefer the RSS type of view, and would not rely on Twitter for this, though I can see the logic.

In conclusion, I hope the above is of some assistance, and maybe you should spend a little time over the weekend looking at your options, though as I have noted above, there are a couple of fairly straightforward ways to ensure your feeds continue in the short term at the very least.

I am optimistic this is an opportunity for great improvement in the RSS realm, as more interest and resources are thrown at this area by developers, with the coming months an interesting time to see what ultimately ensues.

 

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Podcasts

/ Pete Denison / 5 Comments

dept4 x 4

dept4 x 4 is a new category of posts, which will be a recurring series outlining my four favourite, best, most useful, or most used items in a particular area of interest. These may include products, services, sites, apps, books…you get the picture. Whenever I post a list of this nature, it will unsurprisingly contain four items, generally in no particular order, though I am sure there is a thesis somewhere proving even a random list contains some sort of hierarchy.

Hopefully these lists may prompt you to view, listen, read, test, try or otherwise “have a crack” at some of the suggestions. I believe the greatest power of the internet lies in the discovery of the new and untried, which may ultimately provide you with an opportunity to learn, or in some way improve on how you do things. Granted, you can also waste a lot of time as well, but sometimes the search (within reason) and discovery is half the fun.

Remember of course there will be many more items in a particular category I have not seen nor heard of, and the lists will be updated over time and with new discoveries, though as always we have to start somewhere. So let’s kick things off……

dept4 x 4 – Podcasts

In this post, we take a look at my four favourite podcasts, however first a little background.

My app of choice for podcast listening is Downcast, and has been for some time. I have also previously used Instacast, which is a great app and has seen some updates since my last use. The reason for my change being at the time of switching, Downcast was also available for the iPad (though I see on the App Store Instacast is now a universal app), however the number of podcasts I have listened to on my iPad number approximately…..zero. Despite this, I have not had a reason to switch back, and have continued with Downcast. I cannot comment on the Apple podcast app having never used it, though have not heard overly positive feedback, so personally I would go with one of the excellent third-party applications.

Some of the shows listed below originally began their existence on Myke Hurley’s 70Decibels network, which has this year joined the larger 5By5 network, run by Dan Benjamin. The change has been a smooth one (from a listener perspective at least), and I assume will provide improved infrastructure and resources for these shows to allow a greater focus on content, which can only be a good thing.

In no particular order, here are my current favourite Podcasts…

(Click the show name links for much more information on the shows and their hosts)

1. The Prompt

Photo 23-06-13 7 52 36 AM

They say: A weekly panel discussion on technology, and the culture surrounding Apple and related companies.

I say: The “UN General Assembly of Podcasting”. Spanning three countries, a trio of hosts (Myke Hurley, Stephen Hackett, Federico Viticci) discussing technology in a way that is interesting for someone such as myself, whom I consider has a ‘keen interest’ in Apple related technology, but is far from ‘tech geek’ stature in terms of ability. A transition from Stephen and Myke’s previous 512 Podcast on the 70 Decibels network. Worth it for Federico’s sublime accent? Probably yes, but as always content is king.

At the time of writing, is number three in tech podcasts in the Australian iTunes Store, having reached number one in the UK. The new format is only 1 episode old, but trust me, there are great things coming here.

2. Back to Work

Photo 23-06-13 7 25 44 AM

They say: Back to Work is an award winning talk show with Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin discussing productivity, communication, work, barriers, constraints, tools, and more.

I say: After almost 10 years of online interaction, and some 122 episodes of B2W, hosts Dan Benjamin and Merlin Mann recently met for the first time and recorded episode 123 ‘in the flesh’. A good deal of humour and effortless banter ensure this has the feeling of just sitting around listening to a couple of mates have a chat. What you will walk away with however are some fantastic insights into managing some of the daily struggles of ‘corporate stoogedom’ and some strategies to more successfully navigate the mire.

Some great messages, delivered in some of the most uniquely entertaining ways. My recommendation? Give it a few episodes to get yourself in the groove – you won’t be sorry, because the first half hour or so from each episode is exactly what people tune in for.

3. Mac Power Users

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They say: Learn about getting the most from your Apple technology with focused topics and workflow guests. Creating Mac Power Users, one geek at a time since 2009.

I say: As someone with a keen interest in Apple related technology, I am always looking for guidance and helpful hints in getting the most out of my digital devices. You may consider this a strange entrant in a list created by someone who actually doesn’t own a mac (yet), however the mix of guests and topics covered (often relating to all other ‘iDevices’), are always helpful in providing tips on workflows, shortcuts, efficiencies, and using Apple technologies to overcome many of the barriers (both at work and home) to achieving what you set out to do.

4. The Pen Addict

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They say: Analog tools are often pushed aside in the digital age but The Pen Addict Podcast is bringing them back, front and center. Join Brad Dowdy, aka “The Pen Addict” and Myke Hurley each week as they discuss all things pen and paper.

I say: Worth listening to for Myke’s unique weekly introduction of Brad, which varies each episode. A podcast reaching 59 episodes on items so analog (pens, paper, stationary), that normally rely on look and physical feel to appreciate, must have something going for it – and this one certainly does. Both hosts have a passion for these non-digital tools, and provide thoughtful discussion week after week on both the philosophical and technical aspects of what is featured.

A key aspect often so rare when seeking out pen related content, is that this is far from the expensive pen collector mindset, with 90% (or more), of the discussion related to very affordable items. However, this hasn’t prevented many a listener (or host) from going mail order crazy on some of the items discussed – but really, that’s why we all listen each week.

plus one more that deserves a specific mention:

+1. Mikes on Mikes

Photo 23-06-13 7 54 23 AM

They say: Michael Schechter and Mike Vardy talk technology and time management, parenting and productivity and all things in between during this podcast, all while sipping on their drink of choice for each episode.

I say: This is where it all started for me. Coming fairly late into the whole productivity game, and discovering more through both hosts respective websites, this was my first podcast subscription, and I continue to listen to the two Mikes and their various guests discuss this ‘genre’, for want of a better word. Filled with tips, philosophies and workflow advice, this is indeed a great place to start (and continue), if you are looking at approaches to improve how you work.

Other honourable mentions

In Summary

I definitely find the format of a podcast useful in gaining an understanding of a large amount of content in a short period of time. An added advantage is often there will be slight or wholehearted differences in opinion by the hosts and their guests around certain topics, which can further clarify your own thinking on a certain topic, or at least provide the stimulus to seek out more information for yourself to gain a greater understanding.

So, time permitting, check out some of those listed above and see what you think.

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