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Opinion
Automator 2.0 Review
With the release of Mac OS X 10.5 [Leopard](http://www.apple.com/macosx/), Apple has delivered a solid update with high-profile features such as Time Machine, Spaces, and a ([mostly](http://arstechnica.com/reviews/os/mac-os-x-10-5.ars/3)) improved user interface. Of interest here, of course, is the highly anticipated whole-number update to Automator.
Automator 1 was a good product, but hampered by performance issues and bugs. Its limited functionality often required [clever hacks](/archives/automator-loop-utility/), or simply drove users to more robust tools such as raw Applescript, perl or worst of all, over-paid consultants.
So does Automator 2 address these issues? Is it [better, stronger, faster](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woOLEEu8RLI)? Does it put those $200/hr. consultants out to pasture? Let's find out.
LinoType FontExplorer X Makes Me Happy
Many readers of this site are graphic design professionals, and I haven't met a one who doesn't have, to put it mildly, *font issues*. Recently I installed [LinoType FontExplorer X](http://www.linotype.com/fontexplorerX), and within five minutes of launch I came to the conclusion that it is, and I say this without reservation, the best font management application I have ever used. And it's free. More »
Aperture is Big
[Aperture](http://www.apple.com/aperture) is big. Industry-rattling big. If you're a photo professional, you understand why; if not, take my word for it. [Apple's](http://www.apple.com) announcement of Aperture today wasn't a total shock; many were expecting an "iPhoto Pro" to come along (readers of my [iPhoto Challenge](http://www.automatorworld.com/archives/the-iphoto-challenge-i/) articles will know I was one of those hoping for just such a thing.) What _is_ surprising is that it's not "iPhoto Pro", it's really just **PRO**, in big bold letters. Aperture includes Automator integration, of course; it sports a number of [handy actions](http://www.automator.us/aperture/) that will be of great interest to users. Watch this space for more information.
“Down on the Corner…”
I don't generally post on matters outside the realm of Automator, but since it's used a lot with iTunes, I'll let [this page](http://iacs5.ucsd.edu/~alwarren/fixitunesnow.html) slide. I think it speaks for itself.
The iPhoto Challenge IV
A month has passed since I began the iPhoto Challenge. As promised I have not used iView at all except in relation to these articles. Will I keep using the sluggish, but oddly compelling iPhoto, or go back to the sturdy, if sometimes frustrating iView? Before getting to the verdict, I'm going to wrap up with my some final observations about image editing and export. More »
The iPhoto Challenge III
Welcome to the Machine
To use iPhoto is to submit to the dictatorial constraints of the OS X police state. Forget choice, forget flexibility; it's the Apple Way or the highway. This is Steve Jobs' world, you're just printing books in it. Or so what many critics would have you to believe. In this installment of The iPhoto Challenge (if you're late to class, please catch up with Part I and Part II), I'm going to delve into what was traditionally the most limiting aspect of iPhoto, its file management, and try to assess whether it truly is evil incarnate, or simply misunderstood and seeking love. More »
The iPhoto Challenge II
It's now a few weeks since I began using iPhoto 5 exclusively, having going cold-turkey from iView (see part I). Where do I stand with my challenge thus far? It's been a bit of a mixed bag, which is pretty much what I expected. I've decided to have each of these "Challenge" updates focus on a specific part of the experience; in Part 2 I'll discuss image importing and some annoying bugs that surfaced quickly after release. Before I get into it, I'd like to address a few points brought up by readers of Part 1. More »
The iPhoto Challenge I
You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows
Over the years I've had to deal with many different forms of digital asset management solutions. I've managed big iron, I've wrangled the archaic and show mercy on the weak. But for my personal use, only one application was ever good enough; iView MediaPro (or iView Multimedia as it was originally called). iView was fast, it was feature packed, it was logical. iView was designed by people who understood what users like me need and want out of an image management application. And then came iPhoto; and absolutely nothing changed. More »