Tag Archives: mini-review

Witch: Alt-Tab for Mac

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When I switched from Windows to Mac, I was pleased with the performance of OS X. I tried Expose and Command-Tab to cycle through windows. However, Expose only shows you open windows (minimized windows are hidden). Command-Tab only lets you go through the open applications. Once again, minimized applications are not brought to the forefront. I got around this by hiding the applications instead of minimizing windows. (And I am aware of the Command-` function to cycle through open windows of one application).

Nonetheless, there was no true Windows-like alt-tab (cycle through every damn window, minimized or not) function built into Mac OS X. So I stumbled onto a piece of software called Witch. It lets you cycle through every open window – plus, you can map it to alt-tab (or option-tab if you want to call it that). Plus, I’m a keyboard junkie. I hate taking my hands off the keyboard to use the mouse to find things in Expose. Witch gives me back some of the functionality I have become used to in Windows.

It works very well. I highly suggest it for people who switch from Windows to Mac. I’m also aware that Witch can do more than just alt-tab, so if you’re curious about its functionality check out Macworld’s Article here.

Test: Skype + Bluetooth Headset + MacBook Pro

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I am currently without a landline phone. I have relocated for the summer and I chose not to get a standard phone. I have high-speed Internet access, so I decided to use Skype on a MacBook Pro and I just added a Bluetooth headset so I could talk and walk away from my computer if necessary.

The Bluetooth headset I purchased is a Sony Ericsson Akono Headset HBH-608. I am unfamiliar with Bluetooth headsets in general and after my wife went through a bunch of reviews, this is the one I chose. It can be used with cell phones and VOIP, plus it was about $50 – a decent price.

Skype is offering free Skype Out calls for at least the end of the year. I’ve tried out the headset the past two days. The included documentation claims that the headset has a 5 meter range. I don’t that’s quite accurate. While the headset does function within 5 meters of my MacBook Pro, the sound quality becomes static-y. Now, I’m not sure if that is a function of the headset, Skype, or the fact I live in an area with many wireless networks.

The headset is comfortable for about an hour and half. After about that time, the headset became uncomfortable. The speaker hits a very odd spot on my ear – it hits above my ear canal and falls into a ridge (perhaps a diagram would be helpful). Otherwise, the audio quality is quite good.

It works quite well with both iChat and Skype audio chats. OS X found the headset quickly and pairing was relatively painless. The combination doesn’t completely replace a real phone, I still use my cell phone on occasion. I’d like to put together a USB device that works with Skype with a standard phone because standard phones are more comfortable for some situations. Currently, the only USB devices that work with Skype and a standard phone are compatible with Windows only. I have Parallels Desktop; I think I could have the USB device work on it or I could use my old Windows laptop.

The test has been successful for now. I use the phone for maybe an hour a day so the headset, Skype, and MacBook Pro is a reasonable solution.