I’ve explained on the Mac Power Users how I refuse to evangelize Apple products to people. If you prefer to use your Tandy TRS 80 to get work done, you have my blessing. Everybody’s got their own pet technology and whatever does it for you is just fine with me. One product which I will evangelize however is 1Password.

The online world is becoming an increasingly dangerous place. If you don’t have a good system in place to protect your information and passwords, you are asking for it. Over the years I’ve come to know the people behind 1Password and they get it. The most recent version of 1Password 4.0 for iOS proves this even further. The application does a top-notch job of simplifying the process of using safe, secure, passwords and much more. It helps you create them. It helps you track them. And it helps you secure information on your iPad and iPhone in a secure and unobstructive way. There is a long list of improvements.

This newest version ups the game for user interface, which is saying something because version 3 was no slouch. Often people complain that applications of this nature are too difficult to figure out. 1Password attacked this problem in version 4.0 with an Inigo Montoya level of obsession and the proof is in the pudding. I’ve been using the beta version for some time and I think it is fantastic. The app is currently priced at $8 but will eventually go up to $18. I already bought my copy. What are you waiting for? Just go buy it.

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I’ve made reference to my new presentation kit several times during the last few months on Mac Power Users episodes. Specifically, I’ve been presenting wirelessly from my iPad. Imagine yourself making a presentation with nothing but your iPad in hand. You’re not chained to the podium or sitting behind a desk. You are roaming like a lion, and you are awesome. For the cost of an Apple TV and an AirPort Express (just 200 bucks), you too can get some lion-like tendencies. 

Overview

The setup is not difficult. You use the AirPort Express to create a small private wireless network and add to that network an Apple TV which is, in turn, plugged into your projector through the HDMI port. The end result is a private network between your Mac, iPad, iPhone and your Apple TV letting you broadcast from any of those devices to the screen.

The Details

Setting up the AirPort Express

The AirPort Express really is the key. The new AirPort Express costs 100 bucks and it is the same size as an Apple TV. It is really easy to throw in your bag and only comes with one cord. I always show up for my speaking gigs early and plug in the AirPort Express. I then set up the AirPort Express as a small wireless network. The below screenshot gallery shows you the steps taken in Airport Utility on the Mac. You can do the same with the Airport utility for the iPad. You can see that I’ve got a red button telling me there is no Internet connection. That is fine, as I explain below.

Quite often, the venue does not have an Internet connection. This usually doesn’t matter. I pre-record any Internet-based workflows with screencasts before I arrive. I long ago gave up on relying on having a stable Internet connection when I’m in a room full of people trying to explain how to do something with a computer. If you do need Internet, you can attach it to the AirPort Express and it can be part of your network. Just make sure to keep your small network locked down. Also, make certain to set an AirPlay password. Again, you don’t want anyone to try and take over while you are presenting. If anybody else can get into your presenter network, shenanigans are certain to ensue and your wireless presentation will blow up in your face.

Once the network is set up, connect your all your iThingies to it. I normally go for the trifecta: Mac, iPad, iPhone. Then move to the Apple TV.

The Apple TV

This isn’t nearly as complicated. Just plug the Apple TV into a power outlet somewhere near the projector and then run an HDMI cable from the Apple TV to the projector. Once you turn on the Apple TV you will need to connect it to the wireless network you created with the AirPort Express. The most maddening part of this step is using the Apple TV remote to put in a password.

Once everything is done, you should have an Apple TV connected to the projector on the same network as your iThingies. You can then use air sharing to project your Mac or your iPad directly to the screen. This is accomplished on the Mac from the menu bar.

And on iOS devices by double tapping the home button and swiping to the right twice. Then tap on the AirPlay button. 

This really isn’t very complicated and will up your game in front of your next audience. I find losing the electronic tether improves my engagement. During my last major trial, I still tethered the iPad to the projector, which was pretty awkward. Now that I’ve been using this wireless setup for awhile, I’m sold and don’t see myself going back.

John Gruber wrote a typically thoughtful piece for Macworld on how AppleScript continues to beat the odds. Nevertheless, I have to wonder as OS X creeps toward iOS how long AppleScript will stick around. I’m crossing my fingers for a good long time. I love what AppleScript, Automator, and Services do for me, warts and all.

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There is a new Kickstarter project by the guys behind the original Drobo, called the Transporter. Unlike so many Kickstarter projects, this one is a lot further along than a pretty CAD drawing. These guys have already built this device and are in production verification. I know, because I have one of the testing units and can tell you it works. I really like the idea of sticking one on my home network and using it as a secure offsite storage from the office or putting one in a relative’s home to make my own private offsite backup for personal data. Also, the sharing is easy enough that I’m planning to try to use it as photo bank for family holiday pictures.

In full disclosure, it is likely the Transporter will be a Mac Power Users sponsor but that isn’t why I’m writing about this. We don’t let just anybody sponsor the show and this is a really clever product. Watch the Kickstarter video to learn more.

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In 1980-something, I was a nerdy jazz enthusiast. I had an opportunity to attend the Playboy Jazz Festival and there got to meet the pre-eminent nerdy jazz man for the ages, Dave Brubeck. Dave was extremely kind and thoughtful to awkward teenage me and he has since always had a warm spot in my heart.

I’ve seen him play a few times since but never spoken with him again. Indeed, Dave seemed so immortal that it never occurred to me that he may one day leave us. Alas, today he did.

If you’re not familiar with Dave Brubeck, I recommend going and buying the Time Out album right now. This album is one of the definitive cool jazz albums. The whole album is done in odd time signatures. Blue Rondo a la Turk (my favorite) is in 9/8. That’s right. 1-2 1-2 1-2 1-2-3. Take Five is another classic and considered by some to be the best jazz song ever recorded. (That one is in 5/4. 1-2-3 1-2)

Dave will be missed but people will be unsuccessfully trying to tap their feet to his music long after anyone remembers any of us. Farewell Dave.

Yesterday’s iOS Pages update added the ability to track changes. Jeff Richardson wrote it up and does his usual thorough job of covering iOS features particularly relevant to attorneys. Tracking changes is a doozy.

I’ve stated several times how I felt that change tracking was the holy grail of iOS wordprocessing for lawyers. I’ve been playing with it now for a few hours and I agree with mostly everything Jeff says. I do think the lack of comment support will be a dealbreaker for some and completely irrelevant to others. The good news is now there’s a variety of options on the iPad for change tracking. If Microsoft doesn’t hurry up and get Microsoft Office out for iOS, pretty soon nobody’s going to care.

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I could go on and on about my love of the Back to Work podcast (and frequently do). Merlin is on a tear starting at Episode 95 with an in-depth discussion of Getting Things Done. The first episode was very good and I’m really looking forward to the next few. (Episode 96 went live as I post this.) I’m even re-reading David Allen’s book as I listen along. I know this is starting to sound like a cult. It’s not and this is a great way to get started.