OmmWriter

Ever since I started to become more active in blogging, I was always searching for a way to encourage myself to focus on what I was writing and not get distracted. This is difficult when you're sitting at a machine connected to the internet.

One option would be to go old school and use pen an paper, but transcribing to digital form would be a pain. The next option would be to disconnect the internet, and that itself would also be a pain. Especially if I had to do fact checking on the net. Not to mention there are several games installed on my computer that would just distract me.

One day I came across a Lifehacker article about distraction free writing, and one option was OmmWriter

OmmWriter is basically a text editor, a very relaxing text editor. The application covers everything on your desktop and prevents any pop-up notifications from showing. The application covers the desktop with a very simple and almost empty backdrop. The app also plays this very zen-like music in the background while you type. Also while you type there is absolutely nothing on the screen except for the text you are typing. This allows you to focus on what you're writing. Just you and your thoughts. No buttons, or GUI, until you move the mouse around. And when it does appear the design is very simple and minimalist.

I'm really enjoying this app and it's allowed me to be more productive with my writing. I was so impressed that I shelled out the extra few dollars for the full verison, Dana II.

A couple things to note. This app does not have all the formatting options that a full word processor like Microsoft Word has. Like I said before, it's pretty much text editor. However you can export as a PDF.

There's currently a free version for both PC and Mac with three backgrounds, and music selections. You can pay for the full version which gives you more options, though many will be content with the free version.

Also note, that on the Mac you can also buy this app via the Mac App Store. This is convenient, however you can give all the money to the developers by purchasing it right from their site, you can even pay what you want! Apple has enough money.

For those of you who are looking for a distraction free desktop environment to do some writing, check out OmmWriter.

off the wagon

For a long time my G4 Powerbook has been my primary laptop. It was the last line of laptops from Apple prior to switching to the Intel chips and was also my first full entry into the Mac Culture or Cult depending on how you look at it.

It was a bit more than a comparable Windows machine but I was willing to spend the extra money to experience what so many have been raving about. It has served me well over the years and for a while it seems that I may become a full fledged Apple Acolyte, especially after acquiring my iPhone (3G). I told myself I would definitely purchase a Mac as my next laptop, and I'm all for the extra portability, but Apple didn't offer any small laptops in the Intel flavor. My current G4 is 12 inches by the way.

Over the past year my mood has changed and I grew less fond of Apple after becoming keen to their business practices. While they do provide the quality that I adore in a company they tend to charge too much, not for the quality but for features other companies provide for free. They created the culture and aesthetic and charge a premium for specs you can find cheaper in other products.

At WWDC they finally introduced their 13 inch MacBooks, and I was excited until I saw the price tag. 1200 bucks!? I don't have that kinda money any more, heck most people don't have that kinda money anymore and this basically forced me to look elsewhere for my mobile computing needs.

I want to dedicate more time to improve my writing and tend to have that time while commuting to and from work. I also have time after work, but the only mobile device I have to write with is my iPhone and it doesn't allow for typing long blogs comfortably. The next option, a netbook. I narrowed it down to the Asus Eee PC 1005HA and the Toshiba NB205. Both are awesome machines and provide insane battery life, which is a plus for me. The Toshiba has a design I really enjoyed but the battery sticking out at the back bugged me. They both basically had identical specs.

In the end the Asus won out with better speakers. Yes, I spent the time to go through every detail comparing the two cause I really liked both. I plan to add a gig of ram in the future as well as install Windows 7 and see how that works out. There will be no Hackintosh here. Word is the Dell mini is the best netbook for that and I'm not a fan of Dell's.

In light of the recent economic downturn, I've come to realize there are many companies out there who are willing to deliver on quality without draining your wallet. I'll follow up with my experience with the 1005HA in a week since I hope to get it before the holiday weekend.