This week’s list of things to check out:
- Raycast: Raycast is an app launcher for macOS. It competes with apps like Launchbar (an old favorite of mine), Alfred, and even Apple’s own Spotlight. I once read that Launchbar is essentially an alternative interface for your Mac; I can’t argue with that, and Raycast is as well. It’s great for launching applications and finding files, but the real magic is in integrating with apps using their APIs. For example, I can add a to-do item to Todoist without leaving my current application using Raycast, reposition windows, and move files. All very cool. I would love to support the project with a license or subscription, as I do Launchbar (and many other applications), but their only support tier is pricey at $100 USD a year.
- Raindrop.io: Raindrop.io is a bookmark manager. Sure, you can use your browser, but any nerd worth his salt runs a couple of browsers. Raindrop allows you to quickly bookmark and organize your bookmarks, and there’s a version for every OS, mobile and otherwise. I helped a colleague set up a Raindrop install for social bookmarking.
- Inktank printers: Remember ink cartidges? Sure you do. These newfangled printers have bottles of ink that are easy to refill. Best of all, they don’t dry out after sitting for a bit, requiring the rubber-chicken-waving of cleaning print cartridges. Sure, a color laser would be the best way to go, but these printers are a nice intermediate step. Ours is an HP 7300.