Why I’m a Mac

I see much of my technology as a ubiquitous, symbiotic system, and believe Apple provides the best ecosystem for me.

My mobile devices; iPhones (yes, my family and I have multiple), iPads (yes, multiple of those as well), Apple Watch, and MacBooks (multiple of those too) are all connected by iCloud. Rather than each being a separate device, they are all really just connected user interfaces in a greater system.

I can pick up my work on any device from anywhere at anytime, and it is automatically synced and kept up-to-date. Photos are automatically synced to my main Photo library where they are saved and ‘pushed’ to my other devices. I can easily and quickly move larger files between devices with AirDrop. Messages can be sent and received with attachments to and from any device. These are just some examples of the many benefits that work for me.

My non-Apple electronic products are selected for their ability to seamlessly fit into my expanding symbiotic system to provide an encompassing total solution.

I appreciate and value good design – Apple cares about design. Apple will challenge the status quo to provide a better way, a more efficient way. Design is much more than what a product looks and feels like, it’s how it works, and the experience it provides.

“Most people make the mistake of thinking design is what it looks like. People think it’s this veneer – that the designers are handed this box and told, “Make it look good!” That’s not what we think design is. It’s not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” – Steve Jobs

Many consumers get tied up with features and specifications, and look to products that have the most features and the highest specifications, rather than understanding and considering the total user experience.

For me, everything just works – like it has for many years, and provides a seamless and satisfying user experience.

* I’m a Mac refers to Apple’s Get a Mac campaign that featured the infamous “Hello, I’m a Mac” television advertisements from 2006-2009.

Designing integrated future-ready homes

As the demand for home technology continues to grow, one consideration is becoming increasingly important: homeowners should be looking to merge home technology systems into the design of their homes. This may include electronic and technology system such as; electrical, lighting control, safety, access control, heating and cooling, entertainment, and more.

I specialise in the design and specification of home technology systems, and facilitate the installation, and commissioning of them. I take a fresh, client first approach an independent advisor. I work solely for the homeowner and designers to help them navigate through every step of the technology integration process, including the appointment of the right solution provider. I make sure everything is done to achieve the best possible outcome, and user experience.

I am a proud member of the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA), and as a CEDIA Certified Outreach Instructor, I would like to extend the opportunity for local architects to learn more about how collaborating with a home technology partner at the beginning of your project can help you meet your client’s needs for home technology. I can meet with you and/or your team and deliver a 1-hour presentation titled ‘Designing Integrated Future-Ready Homes’.

This presentation is accredited with the Australian Institute of Architects for 1.0 Formal CPD Point as part of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program of the Australian Institute of Architects.

Contact Simon Lakey to arrange your presentation by calling 0418 100 469, by email, or using my contact form.

 

CEDIA is the leading global authority in the $14 billion home technology industry. CEDIA represents 3,700 member companies worldwide and serves more than 30,000 industry professionals that manufacture, design, and integrate goods and services for the connected home. CEDIA.org

My notebook

I have always found note taking a challenge. I have so many notebooks that have been started with a handful of entries, and then not used again. They were misplaced, or never at hand when needed. Notebooks take up space, and then what do you do with them, how long do you keep them?

I relished the idea of the new Apple iPad Pro as soon as it was announced in September 2015, and jumped at it as soon as it was available. I original started with the 12.9″ iPad Pro, and have since settled with the latest 10.5″ model.

The Apple iPad Pro and Apple Pencil combination is my notebook. I have tried and used many notebook applications, and have landed with using Notability. Handwriting is very responsive, without any input lag.

I have multiple notebooks (or Subjects as Notability call them); for work, home, school, projects etc. A single note can be filed within a notebook. I can import a PDF, photo and other documents into a note, and mark it up however I need to. I can easily edit and move any object within the note.

My solution is almost perfect for me. All my notebooks are organised in one place, and are searchable. I have been using an iPad Pro and Pencil combination for more than two years, and love it.

As with any technology, a digital solution is only a benefit if it solves a problem.