The Avengers is amazing. So is this wallpaper.

1. Open a Terminal window and type:

   sudo defaults write com.apple.MultitouchSupport ForceAutoOrientation YES

2. Reboot.
3. Change the trackpad orientation to whatever you’re comfortable with, then rest five fingers on it (the software’s going to pick up the shape your five contact points makes). The trackpad configures itself, and you’re good to go.

I have mine configured so the trackpad tilts away from me, keeping my wrist at a more natural angle when gesturing. Combined with a wrist–rest this is a much more comfortable way to operate than with the standard orientation.

Worth noting is that this change does not affect trackpads built into Apple laptops.

Source: Mac OS X Hints.

I spent some time thinking about how I use my various computers, and what I might be able to do differently to make my life easier. I ended up sketching this little diagram to help figure out how my devices fit into my life.

Coloured blobs represent activities I frequently engage in. Their size corresponds to how frequently I do so. A blob’s position in relation to the computing lines (phone, tablet, laptop and HTPC) indicates which device(s) the activity is most commonly performed on.

It was fun analysing how I use my tech, and I think I’ll revisit this in six months or so to see what’s changed. Already I suspect many of the activities will drift closer to the tablet line.

Caine’s Arcade. One kid’s hobby turned into a glittering future. His scholarship fund has already received over $115,000 in donations.

If you need ideas or templates for writing a set of company brand guidelines, try running a Google search for brand guidelines filetype:pdf.

UPDATE: Usability Geek and The UX Bookmark have some great compilations of guideline docs from major companies like Apple, Google and Skype. My favourite of the lot is the Barbican Identity Guidelines.