PDFpen Gets iCloud Folder Support

The latest update for PDFpen, PDFpenPro, and PDFpen for iPad adds folder support (1 level deep) for iCloud syncing. I manage a lot of PDFs and I really dig PDFpen’s iCloud sync. The addition of folders makes it possible for me to go from managing 10 documents to managing 100. I haven’t got there yet but will consider it an iCloud stress test when I do. Stay tuned. By the way, I haven’t posted yet on how I use PDFpen for iPad and how much I love it but expect something in the not so distant future.

Microsoft's Tablet Licensing Strategy

AppleInsider ran a piece explaining Microsoft’s new strategy of adding a license fee for tablets running virtualization applications to access Microsoft Windows software. I’m not sure if this is to discourage virtualized use of Windows applications from an iPad or increase revenue. (Probably both.) Either way, I think it is a mistake. The more Microsoft cuts the iPad out of its ecosystem, the quicker Microsoft becomes irrelevant. I’ve said it before. If I were Microsoft, I’d jump all over the iPad and its massive user base (55 million as of December 2011) like white on rice.

Searching nvALT with LaunchBar

On Twitter today, someone asked if I could search my nvALT database with a LaunchBar command. At the time I didn’t think I could. I was wrong. Thanks to a reply tweet from Simon Taennler explaining how he did it in Alfred, I was able to create the same feature in LaunchBar. To do so, go to your LaunchBar Index and select the Search Template (UTF-8) selection, shown below.

Click the Add… button and create a new search called “nvALT”. The search parameters are as follows:

nvalt://find/*

That’s it. Then fire up LaunchBar and type nvalt.

Hit the spacebar and type your search string.

LaunchBar then opens nvALT with your search screen. Nifty.

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MPU 82: Cooking Ideas

Mac Power Users Episode 82, Cooking Ideas, just went live. While I enjoy every episode of the Mac Power Users, I’m particularly proud of this one. In it, I share my developing love of mind mapping and the ‘slow burn’ approach to developing ideas. Get the episode over at 5by5. Also, don’t forget to subscribe in iTunes.

MPU 81: Workflows with Brett Terpstra

Mac Power Users Episode 81, Workflows with Brett Terpstra, is live. I like that guy so much and always learn something every time we talk. Get the episode over at 5by5. Also, don’t forget to subscribe in iTunes.

Path Finder 6

With the recent release of Path Finder 6, I’ve rediscovered an app I used to use religiously. You can get $5 off the $40 price this week only. If you find yourself banging your forehead against the Finder’s limitations, go buy Path Finder. Also, expect an upcoming MPU episode about Finder alternatives an power tips.

Oracle v. Google

Oracle posted its opening statement in its infringement case against Google. I usually make a point of not commenting on legal stuff on this page but this link has me thinking two things:

1. Oracle has some great evidence.
2. I don’t care how much Oracle paid. With Keynote and a few days, I could have made a better deck.

Staying Connected to Your Apple TV

This may be obvious, but it wasn’t to me. If you are using an iPad at the office connected wirelessly to an Apple TV, go into the iPad’s Settings app and turn off Auto-Lock before the meeting begins. Otherwise, your iPad will fall asleep sending the AppleTV back to its default screen. Since you won’t be looking at the screen behind you, you won’t realize it. Then, when you are about to make a really important point, someone will raise their hand and ask if you could just shut up so they can watch Wall•E.

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