macosxhints.com laptop Mac tips

Faster three-finger swipe navigation of PDFs in Preview

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:30:03 -0800

If you have a laptop that supports multitouch gestures, you probably are aware of the fact that a three-finger swipe in Preview will go to the next or previous page in a PDF. But you may be annoyed at how Preview insists on animating each page switch with a small scrolling action. This can make it very slow to scroll through a document -- almost as slow as regular two-finger scrolling.

Fortunately, there is a solution: use a three-finger swipe in the sidebar. When you swipe in the sidebar, the pages will change instantly, without any animation. This works no matter what mode the sidebar is in (table of contents or thumbnails). And if you are in contact sheet mode, three-finger swiping will navigate you through the contact sheet.

I can only test this in 10.6, and I didn't discover it until I was running 10.6, so I don't know if it works in 10.5 or not.

[robg adds: My MBP is also 10.6-only now, so I can't test in 10.5 either. If you can, please post...

A fix for G4 iBook kernel panics caused by AirPort cards

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:30:02 -0700

Many iBook G4 laptops (and possibly other models) have a problem with the inbuilt AirPort card failing, and then causing regular kernel panics. This can be avoided in Leopard, and possibly Tiger, by replacing the kexts responsible for the AirPort with dud files like so:

Quickly turn off AirPort in the menu bar after turning on the laptop.
Open TextEdit and save two blank files to the desktop. The first is called IO80211Family.kext.rtf and the second is AppleAirPort.kext.rtf. Then go to the Desktop and remove the ".rtf" extension, and approve the change to a kext extension.
In Finder, go to System » Library » Extensions, delete the files AppleAirPort.kext and IO80211Family.kext and authorize the action. Then drag the two 'dud' kext files from the Desktop into the Extensions folder, and again authorize the action.
Restart the laptop.

You should see that kernel panics just aren't happening --...

Work around a too-quiet MacBook Pro audio issue

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 07:30:03 -0700

I noticed that recently the volume on my MacBook Pro has been seriously reduced, sometimes to the point of being almost inaudible. Where it's really noticeable is when I rent a movie from iTunes, then try to watch by hooking my MBP to my HDTV via mini Display Port to HDMI, and headphone jack to the input on my audio system.

Lately, even with all volume controls turned to max, it's still almost impossible to hear the movie. The answer, according to tips I found via Google, is to run Audio Hijack Pro and hijack iTunes audio. Boy, does this work. Using the gain controls available within Audio Hijack Pro, you can blast the sound with the various volume controls turned almost all the way down. The leading theory is that Apple deliberately reduced the level of audio reaching the speakers to avoid damage when booted into Windows, which apparently drives the speakers much harder.

Anyway, I can watch movies again and ...

10.6: Change icon size in Finder windows via the trackpad

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:30:05 -0700

After upgrading to Snow Leopard, I found that I can change the icon size in the Finder's Icon view windows using the MacBook's multi-touch trackpad. To do so, just use a two-finger zoom/pinch gesture to either zoom in or out -- this works on the Desktop, or in an active Finder window in Icon view mode.

[robg adds: I was hoping this might also work to change the text size in List and Column view modes, but no luck. It only works in Icon view mode.]

Use Macbook Pros with 75 watt airplane power ports

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:30:00 -0700

As far as I know, the Unibody Macbook Pros (and probably most MacBook Pros) ship with 85 watt power supplies. Unfortunately, a lot of in-seat power ports on airplanes are limited to 75 watts, and plugging in your 85 watt power supply will quickly overload the power supply. This is not dangerous to the plane or anything, but the power will shut off.

There are two options. First, run your MBP off of the battery, then when the battery dies, close the lid and recharge the battery in sleep mode, as this will draw much less power than running the machine and charging the battery.

Also, and this is a little dangerous to your work, remove the battery and run solely on the in-seat power. With the battery removed, no power will flow to the battery and you'll be able to run at on the 75 watt power from the seat. But ... be careful, save often, and I'm not responsible for the consequences. Consider if the guy next to you bumps the plug and it falls out -- your mac...

Enable dual displays on iBooks running 10.5 and 10.6

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:30:03 -0700

The iBook G4 (and various other iBooks) do not support "spanning" dual displays (I believe Apple calls this feature "extended desktop") with Leopard or Snow Leopard. Evidence of this is the missing Arrangement tab in the Display System Preferences panel.

The Tiger version of Spanning Screen Doctor does, indeed, work correctly on an iBook G4 running 10.5.4. After rebooting, the Arrangement tab will now appear in the Display pane.

Hopefully this saves some iBook users some time and effort in resolving this issue.

[robg adds: We covered this app many years ago, but I thought it was worth an update for both newer hardware and newer OS versions.]

Toggle Bluetooth setting based on power source

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:30:00 -0700

One of my biggest complaints is not having the ability to toggle Bluetooth on and off based on my power source. I use my Macbook in clamshell mode, so turning Bluetooth back on with my Bluetooth keyboard and mouse is impossible. I have to wait for my Macbook to wake up, open the lid, and reach over to the trackpad and toggle Bluetooth on.

With some help, I was able to make the following script to toggle Bluetooth on when the machine is plugged in, and off when running on the battery. This script is smart in that it will not fight you if you turn Bluetooth on while on battery power. You can unplug the power, the script will turn Bluetooth off, and you can turn it back on and it will stay that way.

There is one requirement to use this application which is blueutil. (I have it mirrored on my site where I originally posted this; you can see my full guide there as wel...

A simple fix for a noisy headphone jack on a MacBook

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:30:00 -0700

I was quite annoyed with the sound quality of my Santa Rosa MacBook, i.e. a MacBook3,1. I had upgraded to this machine via a hard drive swap from the first generation Macbook, and now there was much noise on the headphones.

Today I found out that I can get perfectly fine audio by starting Audio MIDI Setup (in Applications » Utilities) and selecting 2Ch-20bit (or 24bit) for the headphones, instead of the previous 16bit setting.

Fix a non-responsive 'Tap to Click' on Mac laptops

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:30:02 -0700

If "tap to click" is enabled and suddenly stops working, a quick cycling of the option will fix the problem without rebooting. System Preferences » Trackpad » Tap to Click.

Uncheck then re-check, and the problem will be fixed.

One fix for an always-running laptop fan

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:30:00 -0700

I found a solution to why my laptop fan was running constantly and running my battery out in an hour. This problem is common for MacBook users and many websites and forums suggest restarting, installing fan regulation software, resetting PRAM, etc. None of these really work, but the solution is very simple.

Since laptop users are mobile, they're frequently using different printers. When sending a document to print sometimes my MacBook selects the wrong printer, when it doesn't print I select a new printer and print again. But I forgot to delete the print job sent to the first printer, so my Mac keeps looking to print at the other printer causing the processor to heat up and the fan runs constantly.

Therefore, open System preferences go to Print & Fax, then select the printer that has a document in the queue, delete the print job and the fans shuts off within a minute -- and stays off.

The laptop will stay quiet and cool, the battery will last the usual amount of time, and Ma...

A possible fix for an apparently-broken left speaker

Tue, 26 May 2009 07:30:00 -0700

If you notice that the left speaker on your MacBook Pro or MacBook has gone silent, make sure to check the following settings before making an appointment with the Apple Store for a hardware inspection:

System Preferences » Sound » Input: If 'Use Ambient Noise Reduction' is checked, simply uncheck it to unmute the left speaker.
Applications » Utilities » Audio MIDI Setup: Go to Audio Devices, and select 'Built-in Output' from the Properties For drop-down dialog. Now look under Audio Output and make sure Channel 1 isn't lowered or muted. Note that this program doesn't report the 'Ambient Noise Reduction' setting as Channel 1 being muted. (Some users have reported that iChat AV may lower the left speaker's volume drastically for voice conferences, so you may need to repeat this step after each use of iChat AV.)

The couple of minutes it takes to perform this basic checkup is certainly worth saving a trip to the Apple Store.

Fix a G4 iBook 'instant sleep at start up' problem

Wed, 13 May 2009 07:30:02 -0700

Okay. I spent waaayyy too much time looking for the answer to this problem, so I'm posting this for others in the same situation. I am the Resident Geek at a middle school, and one of our G4 iBooks (1.33GHz) would start up, then immediately go to sleep. If left for a day without power (battery removed and machine unplugged), you could log in before it went to sleep. In all of my searches, including a hint here from 2007, the reed switch seemed to be mentioned a lot...but there was also confusion on its location, and whether the logic board was to blame.

After taking apart the laptop and unplugging the reed switch -- which is located on top of the optical drive -- I confirmed that to be the problem. A new one for $15 (Googl...

Install newer media keyboard on an older Macbook Pro

Thu, 07 May 2009 07:30:02 -0700

If you are into hardware modifications, here's one: it's possible to have the media keys (e.g. iTunes controls, Dashboard, and Expos�) which came with the last pre-unibody MacBook Pro on your older MacBook Pro, either by changing keys only, or the keyboard assembly. Who needs a Num Lock key anyway?

This mod is quite simple on MacBooks, as the system will recognize the new (relatively cheap) top case and maps keys accordingly. On a MacBook Pro, however, unless you change the whole top case (preferable, but much more expensive, and possibly impossible with the oldest MacBook Pros, as they have Bluetooth inside the bottom case), the system gets the needed product ID from the top case. So a software mod is needed.

After some digging in the system, I found the file in question: /System » Library » Extensions » AppleUSBTopCase.kext » Contents » PlugIns » AppleUSBTCKeyEventDriver.kext » Contents » Info.plist. Don't forget to...

Swipe Expos� and Dashboard in 'temporary view' mode

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:30:02 -0700

The following tip is something that I find very useful for myself, and that only works for Macs that can use four-finger Expos� mode on the trackpad.

While using a four-finger down swipe on the trackpad to trigger Expos�, don't release your fingers just yet -- hold your fingers for one second after swiping, then release them. When used in this manner, Expos� will activate, then turn off by itself when you release your fingers. This also works when activating Dashboard with a four-finger up swipe.

This is good for briefly glancing at information in other windows or the Finder.

[robg adds: Expos� and Dashboard can actually be used like this with keyboard-based activation, too -- just hold down the activation key (F9, F10, F11, F12) until you're done using Expos� or Dashboard, and it will close automatically when you release the activation key. We covered this keyboard-centric behavior for both ...

'Emergency use only' hard drive for a MacBook Pro

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 07:30:02 -0700

I needed to get my MacBook Pro running again after the hard drive failed, but the only drive I had available was a desktop 3.5 inch SATA unit.

So I opened up the MacBook Pro to see what could be done. Unfortunately, the onboard SATA connector won't accept a standard SATA cable. However, all you need to do is chop off some of the excess plastic on the SATA cable, and it works.

Note that you do need an external power supply for the hard drive, as the internal source doesn't supply the full 12v required.

Pro: Backup system is viable
Con: No longer a laptop

[robg adds: I haven't tested this one, and hope I never need to do so!]

Keyboard shortcuts to various System Preferences

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 07:30:00 -0700

Using my MacBook Air (first gen), I mistakenly hit option-F11 (instead of fn-F11 to disperse all windows), and found I got taken to the Sound System Preferences panel. I tried this for the other Fn-keys and sure enough, I can access Displays, Expos� & Spaces, and Keyboard System Preferences by just adding the Option key to the Fn key.

It's easier than right-clicking on the desktop to then access Change Desktop Background, which is not much faster than mousing to the Apple menu.

[robg adds: We've covered some of these shortcuts before, at least in passing, for older OS releases and older keyboards, but I don't think we've covered this particular implementation ... my apologies if this is a duplicate, however.]

Transfer files using a direct Ethernet connection

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:30:02 -0700

With so many complaints about FireWire disappearing from the MacBooks, I wondered if large files could be copied using just an Ethernet cable. It was successful, and the transfer was rapid -- less than one minute to transfer 1.8 GB.

I used an aluminum MacBook connected via Ethernet cable directly to an aluminum iMac. AirPort cards were turned off on both computers, the Ethernet connections were active, and file sharing in the Sharing System Preferences panel was on. Under Shared in Finder, the computers recognized each other, allowing me to copy from one computer to the other.

[robg adds: This is a fairly basic tip, but I don't think we've covered it here before. Basically, the Mac OS is smart enough to set up a functional network if you connect two machines together using Ethernet (or FireWire) cable. Once connected, transfers will happen very quickly. Unfortunately, this doesn't help with the larger MacBook/FireWire issue, which is that you can't connect ...

Use iPhone headphone button in QuickTime on some Macs

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:30:00 -0700

Following up on the recently-covered use of the iPhone headphone in Keynote and iTunes, one can also use the iPhone's headphones button in QuickTime on the new Unibody laptops:

Click: Play / Pause.
Two clicks: Next frame (if movie with no chapters); next chapter (if movie with chapters); next track if it's a playlist.
Three clicks: Restart playback from beginning (if one file), or restart playlist (if it's a playlist).

Cool, eh? :)

The TripleHead2Go, dual monitors, and the MacBook

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:30:00 -0800

When upgrading to my current Unibody macbook, I was replacing a dual-monitor setup using two computers and Synergy. While there was lots of speculation, I couldn't find any concrete info on how to achieve the same setup with my new Macbook. As such, I decided to share that info here.

I have two 20" LCDs that run at 1600x1200 each. After reading up on the Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital edition, I decided to buy one. After having some initial problems, I was dismayed to find out that the MacBook uses an unsupported chipset, and so their support department was of no help. If you want to take the jump, don't worry, it works, but with a few caveats... In order to get the high resolution, you'll need the Dual Link DVI adapter, which currently runs about $100. In addition, you need the digital version of the TripleHead2Go at ~$300 (even if you only have two screens), because it's the only version that suppor...

Avoid Kernel Panics upon waking MacBook

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 07:30:01 -0800

I have a 13" MacBook that I love more than my dog. So far I've had absolutely no problems with it, save for one.

When I'm at home, I operate it with its lid closed and connected to an external Dell monitor. This situation works great until I have to take my laptop into the office. I've found that if I put the laptop to sleep with the external monitor connected, and then wake the laptop later without the external monitor, I receive a friendly Kernel Panic a few seconds after opening the lid.

The solution to avoiding this situation, for me at least, is to open the lid before putting the laptop to sleep, disconnect the monitor, wait for the laptop to recognize that it needs to switch to the internal display, then shut the lid and head off to wherever it is that I'm going.

This kludge helps out a lot in avoiding the problem of spending 10 minutes telling someone how awesome Mac OS X is compared to (insert your operating system here), only to open the lid and w...