Review: Desktop 2.0 using Twhirl

April 22nd, 2009 • Computers, Productivity, Reviews, Software, Web
Tags: Desktop, Review, Software, Web 2.0

Since I was using Twhirl for my Twitter desktop client, I thought I could try it out for Friendfeed too. Creating the Twhirl Friendfeed profile and linking it with my Friendfeed via the Remote Key was a very quick and easy procedure. Then I had to change a bit my desktop to fit Twitter, Friendfeed and Launchy.

That’s how my desktop looks now. I call it Desktop 2.0, a social, live and active interface for the web. Streaming all of my friends’ activity over Friendfeed and communicating with them over Twitter.

Productivity

Since I didn’t had any previous experience with live activity streaming I was expecting that all my productivity would go to hell, as I wrote on a previous post. But this didn’t happen.  I was able to engage conversation in Twitter while working for the blog and do some Friendfeed comments and likes.

Usability

Twhirl works just fine with Twitter, but in Frienfeed it seems to get a bit lost. My opinion is that the slow and laggy scrolling make a bit difficult to keep up with Frienfeed over Twhirl. Also it’s a bit slow when you’re about active and fast conversations in comments of a Friendfeed item. On the other hand, it’s great for browsing and liking your friend’s activity and for the task of the live streamer. But it’s not for the heavy use, like Scoble’s one. Heh.

Desktop integration

Twhirl can integrate with your desktop realy well. First of all it’s an Adobe Air application, which means it’s cross platform and can work on your Linux, Mac and Windows system just fine. It’s also highly customizable not only visually such as opacity -which it’s great- (each Window -Twitter, Friendfeed- it’s a separated and has different options) but also how it works i.e. how it handles updates, notifies etc.

Personal thoughts

After the last buzz with the new Twitter client from Loic’s team and the Tweetdeck vs. Seesmic desktop battle, I think that if you want a not only Twitter desktop experience, Twhirl will be the perfect solution for you. Your desktop will also become a Desktop 2.0 by streaming Friendfeed and Twitter content live. In the future though, we might see Tweetdeck, Seesmic Desktop and maybe other apps too, providing Frienfeed support.

[Update: I've just started using Seesmic Desktop for my Twitter desktop client replacing the Twhirl one's. Kinda fail? But the Friendfeed Twhirl will stay here.]

How To: 5+1 ways to stay productive

April 18th, 2009 • 4 comments Blogging, How To's, Productivity
Tags: Blogging, Editorial, How To

When you work, you want your best. But it seems sometimes you get distracted by a number of various reasons. I’ve thought of several tips to help you stay productive in your life whether working or not.

Have a clean and minimalistic desktop

First things first. Have a clean and minimalistic desktop is a key factor. Having to do with less “noise” around you helps you get focused and not distracted.  It helps you beeing calm too -minimalism does. This is for your virtual and real desktop. Here’s mine.

Disable real time feeds like Friendfeed and IMs

Disabling these kinds of real time information overflow and friend chats helps you be focused on what you work. It’s really difficult when working and having to deal with Twitter, Friendfeed and Gtalk in the same time. You lose important time.

Use big monitors

Considering yourself geek or not, you should use big monitors since you work with computers. Considering current low prices -like this 22″ widescreen Acer model. First of all, they make you living easier. Everything has space no need of minimazing and maximizing windows. Secondly, it’s more helpful for your eyes. Btw, here’s the Amazon page of LCD Monitors. Defenitely you should check it out. I currently work with a 19″ Samsung Syncmaster 940NW which is connected to my netbook. 

Use GTD apps

Since you have too many To-Do’s not only for your work but also for your life, managing them with GTD apps is a useful idea. Remember the Milk is a great GTD Web app (and a desktop one via Google Gears) build upon AJAX. It will help you get organized and getting things done easily. Give it a try!

Work with clean mind, make often breaks

That’s one great tip. You shouldn’t work too many hours continiously. That’s bad for your focus and your health. Try to make often small breaks of 10 to 15 minutes to help relax and unstress your mind. It works -you’ll see and helps you beeing more productive.

and the +1,

Be focused

Ok, you have a tidy desktop, disabled the feeds and IMs, started using the big monitor, you get yourself organized with RTM and make small breaks. But you forget one important factor. Your will power. Without it, no matter how many tips you apply you won’t  come off with anything. You should always try to get and be focused on whatever you do.