Don’t use Notion if you use iOS only

I decided to have a play with Notion this morning as I wanted to a place to organise my job seeking, training and creative projects. It looked the perfect solution until I actually tried the app and it doesn’t feel baked for iOS.

First off I couldn’t even change the name of a workspace, this didn’t bode well. The more I used it the more it felt like a web app held together by bits of string.

I’m sure it’s ok as a quick way to enter data if you’re on the go but Notion looks to be designed for desktop first.

If you’re iOS focussed like me then it’ll be best to avoid getting into Notion. I’m not saying it’s a bad service I’m just saying if like me you prefer to work on iOS then don’t bother spending the time to use it, it’s not a native app experience.

A Mac event to look forward to

10th November we get a little peek into what Apple has planned for their own processor based Mac lineup. As you know I’m iOS first but do use an iMac and MacBook too (you’ll be amazed how many recruitment systems don’t work in Safari on iOS). My go to platform is iOS but I’m looking forward to the possibilities of bringing an iPad like processor to something that doesn’t need to worry about battery consumption.

It’s speed might be phenomenal, it could have a touchscreen (eventually), it’ll run iOS apps, it’ll have much better battery life on the MacBook, it should be cheaper and it’ll also push iOS.

Fingers crossed we see something interesting and innovative.

The apps that make it onto my iPhone Home Screen

I posted my iPad Home Screen so I thought I’d post my latest iPhone Home Screen. I’m using a few widgets and the image above is showing the apps that made it onto the Home Screen. Everything else is in the App Library.

  • Day One: I’ve been journaling for years using Day One and it’s on the main page as a reminder
  • Overcast: Been my podcast player of choice for years
  • Reeder 4: RSS reader of choice
  • Phone: I need to keep an eye on calls whilst job seeking so it’s made it to the main page so I can see if I’ve missed any
  • Amazon Music: Been enjoying Amazon Music lately, quick to download tracks and more affordable than Apple Music
  • DuckDuckGo: My browser of choice
  • Notes: I’m using Notes daily
  • WordPress: To bring you posts like these
  • Messages
  • Todoist: Switched over to Todoist for a month or so now
  • Mail: Stock app does me just fine
  • Camera: I like quick access

Dark Sky gets an update

I love using Dark Sky and I was sceptical we’d see an update but it’s had a tiny one. I’m disappointed to report we don’t have iOS 14 widgets yet. I’ve actually stopped using it’s widget for now and slipped back to the Apple app.

But the good news is that it’s getting updates, so I’d expect we’ll see widgets soon.

Reduce, reuse and recycle

I’ve been thinking a lot about how I consume technology and my impact on the environment. I’m faced with uncertainty and a a need to highly manage a budget anyway but over the last few years I’ve been conscious about the technology I’m consuming and it’s sustainability.

I wanted to stop buying stuff just to test and be more conscious of what I’m actually picking up to use. I’ve tried to work on the premise of if it’s functional and gives me what I need I’ll keep it. My worst enemy with this is Apple stuff, which shouldn’t surprise anyone that reads my site.

But this year I’ve decided that the 11 Pro is still great and working fine. My iPad was replaced in June as my last one smashed so that’s covered. I don’t use the Apple Watch anymore and my 7 year old iPad Mini still does the job. Our iMac recently had a RAM upgrade and the 2016 MacBook is doing just fine for the little time it gets used. The main temptation is going to be the iPhone 12 Mini this year but without a regular income at the moment that’s not going to happen without a donation or review unit.

I’ve also stopped eyeing up a Pixel to test. It’ll be a waste as I won’t use it full time and again, I’m impacting the environment for very little gain.

So

  • Reduce: don’t buy it in the first place, which has the most impact
  • Reuse: pass down technology that doesn’t serve a purpose for me via family or sell to a reseller
  • Recycle: responsibly hand into someone like Apple to properly recycle the equipment

This is what I’m going to do my best to follow.

This post isn’t meant to make anyone feel guilty about their purchase it’s to hold myself accountable and remind me that I’m making a commitment to be a little more environmentally friendly.