![]() I could only select one application to open or close at a time, and Sidekick did not allow me to copy and paste sets of actions from one Place to the next. Configuring profiles, however, felt tedious. Creating Places was equally facile (though I preferred to manually enter addresses). Installing plugins for Adium and Outlook was as simple as clicking a link from the Oomph homepage and launching the. I had an uneven experience with Sidekick. When it came to my work profile, I found the Outlook plugin particularly useful because I could set my computer to open Outlook, go online, and change my default account on entering the office. Given that I would use my laptop in public spaces, I also enable a password-protected screensaver and locked my keychain. (Users looking to minimize distractions might consider Concentrate for Mac (Opens in a new window) ($29). There is, however, nothing to stop you from reopening apps or reactivating features. Prone to distraction, I designated that all my applications close (except for Word) and that my computer disable wireless communications (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth). Sidekick even offers plugins for popular Mac apps, including Outlook ($106.08 at Amazon) (Opens in a new window), Adium (free), and Caffeine.įor my coffee shops, I hewed to System and Application actions. The software can access and adjust system settings, including changing desktop backgrounds, connecting to servers, or toggling time zones. Sidekick enables users to specify which applications open or close, launch a URL, or even run a Terminal command. Read our editorial mission (Opens in a new window) & see how we test (Opens in a new window).įor each place I found that I could designate Actions to control applications (Application), system functions (System), and third-party plugins (Plugin). Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. I created nine different Places that I frequently visit: my home, workplace, libraries, and five or so cafes (I may have a problem). By default, each Place carries sample Actions, such as enabling Bluetooth and lowering system volume. Sidekick organizes system profiles around Places, which you can add via a Google Map or street address. I was eager to put Sidekick through the paces of my roving writing habits. However, road warriors and frequent fliers may find that custom profiles warrant the expense. How well that works depends on the accuracy of Mac OS X's Location Services as well as the distance between your places. Sidekick taps your Mac’s built-in Location Services to update your settings based upon your Wi-Fi-determined location. ![]() ![]() Perhaps your keychain locks at the diner, your default printer changes at work, or iTunes launches when you return home. For every location you frequent-your home, workplace, or favorite diner-you can configure profiles that automatically adjust system settings when you open your laptop. Sidekick ($29), an application from Oomph, makes your Mac a shrewder travel companion. With MacBook Air ($999.00 at Amazon) (Opens in a new window) clocking in at fifteen hours of battery life, peripatetic users are free to untether from outlets and fixed workspaces. Only as accurate as Mac OS X Location Services.How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages. ![]()
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