Mac Geek Gab — Apple Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting

The Universe is Listening!

Aug 14, 2023

Apple-centric topics include optimizing cellular data settings, using keyboard shortcuts in Pages, and FaceTiming oneself. Dave shares his lightning-related troubles and the importance of backups. Cool Stuff Found: hardwiring networks with MoCA technology, BetterSnapTool for screen setups, Apple Music's new Discovery Station, and the Belkin iPhone Mount. They also discuss using iPhone as a webcam and the possibility of a pixel-based camera on Apple laptops.

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Episode notes

Introduction

00:00 • 3min

Undocumented Keyboard Shortcuts and Hidden Commands

03:26 • 18min

Thoughts on Apple's Desktop Feature and Negotiating Lower Prices with Web Server Companies

21:50 • 8min

Troubleshooting Mac Performance and Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Hopwater

29:52 • 8min

Restoring a Mac Mini After Power Fluctuations

38:20 • 17min

Using Mocha Adapters for Wired Connections

55:47 • 19min

Using an iPhone as a Webcam

01:15:02 • 5min

Exploring the Possibility of a Pixel-based Camera on Apple Laptops

01:19:35 • 3min

The Universe is Listening — Mac Geek Gab 995 episode image

Adam Christianson joins Pilot Pete and Dave Hamilton this week to dive deep into a slew of Apple-centric topics. They kicked off with a series of Quick Tips, guiding users through optimizing cellular data settings, using keyboard shortcuts in Pages, and even the quirky tip of FaceTiming oneself. In a (literal!) blast from the past, Dave shared his recent lightning-related woes, resulting in a new Mac purchase and highlighting the often-overlooked importance of device backups, especially post technical snafus.

Cool Stuff Found began by explored the intricacies of hardwiring networks using MoCA technology, and the benefits of the BetterSnapTool for screen setups were extolled. Apple Music’s new Discovery Station was thrown into the spotlight, promising listeners a fresh musical journey. Adam wrapped things up with his take on the Belkin iPhone Mount, a MagSafe-compatible gem.

Press play and listen as your three favorite geeks help keep you informed, entertained, and sure you Don’t Get Caught!

Chapters/Timestamps/Stuff mentioned:

00:00:00 Mac Geek Gab 995 for Monday, August 14th, 2023
- The MGG Discord Server is Live!
- The MGG Merch Store is Live!
Quick Tips
- 00:00:01 QT-Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode > Low Data Mode
- 00:04:25 Ben-QT-Use Shift+Command+N To Insert New Page in Pages Page Layout docs
  - PopChar for Mac
- 00:08:01 Tony-QT-Freeform is now a Share Sheet option on iPhone
- 00:10:06 SteveHammond-QT-994-You can even FaceTime yourself
- 00:13:42 Jim-QT-Option-Click in Displays’ Resolution List to get More Options
- 00:16:09 Using Displays in Portrait Mode
  - Use Displays – “More Space” to temporarily get more screen real estate
- 00:22:19 QT – Call & Ask!
  - SiriusXM Pricing (check “Streaming Only”)
  - Private Parts
- 00:27:48 Jamie-QT-Use Accessibility to See Your Mac When the Screen is Sleeping
  - MonoPrice.com
Sponsors
- 00:32:07 SPONSOR: HOP WTR. No alcohol, calories, or sugar in this refreshing, hoppy-flavored beverage with mood-boosting benefits! Get 20% off your first purchase (and free shipping when you order 24 cans) at HOPWTR.com/MGG.
- 00:34:02 SPONSOR: CleanMyMac X is an all-in-one utility that can help all of us in the Mac Geek Gab community keep our Macs clean and safe. Get 5% off CleanMyMac X today (and for two weeks only!) at MacPaw.app/macgeekgab.
- 00:35:23 SPONSOR: LinkedIn Jobs. Go to LinkedIn.com/MGG and post your first job for free!
Lightning Deals…A New Mac!
- 00:37:10 You Can DFU Revive a Mac! (just not Dave’s Mac)
  - Backups…Funny Timing
  - MacBook Air M2 now on Refurb – https://refurb.me
  - Double-Press-then-hold on Apple Silicon Power Button for Internet Restore
- 00:51:09 Uncle Jamie-Replace Your UPSes After Surges
Cool Stuff Found
- 00:55:51 MoCA for Hardwired Network, using Coax to Ethernet
  - Hitron Bonded MoCA 2.5
  - PoE Filter
- 01:06:31 PorthosJon-BetterSnapTool to setup screen areas based upon which monitor you’re on
- 01:08:08 CSF-Listen to Apple Music’s new Discovery Station
- 01:15:00 Adam-CSF-Belkin iPhone Mount With MagSafe (aka Continuity Camera Mount)
  - Camo
01:21:15 Mac Geek Gab 995 Outtro
- Adam Christianson’s Maccast
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- Pilot Pete’s Aviation Podcast: So There I Was (for Aviation Enthusiasts)
- Dave’s Business Brain (for Entrepreneurs) and Gig Gab (for Working Musicians) Podcasts
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