So my main computer is away for repair, and Im using a borrowed MacBook 1,1 until that comes back. Its been upgraded as much as is really possible considering it was purchased at the base spec:
Any tips from people still using an older Mac?
Im really missing iCloud sync is there any way to bring some of that functionality into 10.6? Bookmark sync is particularly bothersome. Chrome/Firefox could sync if I used them, and if I were to install Windows on this Machine, I could actually use iCloud with Safari, but not having Safaris reading list synced in OS X is a major omission.
Speaking of Safari, I was very surprised to find that while the CoreDuo chip struggles to play 480p YouTube videos with Flash, as expected, installing ClickToPlugin which replaces the Flash player with QuickTime (most videos are now just MP4 served through Flash) allows the system to play fullscreen (but not windowed) 1080p video smoothly! Using the 720p setting will also allow for smooth playback when windowed as well as fullscreen, while keeping fan noise down. I was shocked at how much of a difference this made.
Are there any other tools/extensions that people consider essential these days?
I must admit, I have not spent much time on the Mac App Store, as Ive primarily been using a PC + iPad combo these days, because Apples hardware options arent quick enough for my requirements.
So far Im using:
- 1.83GHz CoreDuo
- 2GB RAM
- Intel SSD 320 (maxes out the SATA1 ports)
- OS X 10.6.8
Any tips from people still using an older Mac?
Im really missing iCloud sync is there any way to bring some of that functionality into 10.6? Bookmark sync is particularly bothersome. Chrome/Firefox could sync if I used them, and if I were to install Windows on this Machine, I could actually use iCloud with Safari, but not having Safaris reading list synced in OS X is a major omission.
Speaking of Safari, I was very surprised to find that while the CoreDuo chip struggles to play 480p YouTube videos with Flash, as expected, installing ClickToPlugin which replaces the Flash player with QuickTime (most videos are now just MP4 served through Flash) allows the system to play fullscreen (but not windowed) 1080p video smoothly! Using the 720p setting will also allow for smooth playback when windowed as well as fullscreen, while keeping fan noise down. I was shocked at how much of a difference this made.
Are there any other tools/extensions that people consider essential these days?
I must admit, I have not spent much time on the Mac App Store, as Ive primarily been using a PC + iPad combo these days, because Apples hardware options arent quick enough for my requirements.
So far Im using: