Hello. My name is Jonathan Brodheim. I am currently studying Architecture at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia.
I’ve attempted writing online since 2006, when I discovered iWeb; it gave me all I needed (at the time) – a WYSIWYG editor and easy enough publishing options. Since then I have adopted WordPress as my publishing platform of choice and host all of my websites, including Let’s Talk Apple, on HostMonster.
Back in 2005 I made the switch from a 12″ Sony Vaio PCG-V505BX running Windows XP, to Mac OS X Tiger running on a 17″ PowerBook G4 – no upgrades or non-standard accessories. In all honesty, I had no idea what to expect; not only was I unaware of the difference between Mac and PC, I was completely unaware of Mac’s existence. I only knew of this commercial for the iMac, which I wanted oh-so-desperately, but my parents insisted I needed a portable computer for school; that, and my family’s absurd travel schedule.
The PowerBook proved too large (a combination of it’s size and weight), for a fourteen-year-old boy to handle on a daily basis. With the help of my father, I upgraded1 to the 12″ iBook G4. My daily routine included both devices; the iBook living-out it’s days as a portable writing machine and general purpose device, and the PowerBook pretending to be what I had originally wanted – a desktop.
My next upgrade (albeit unnecessary, and deeply desired) was the infamous Black MacBook. It was with this computer I developed a passion for good design and undoubtedly, the Mac-ecosystem.
For the first time (since I purchased my PowerBook), I knew exactly what I was getting myself into.
Today I, like many, run a combination of Mac OS and iOS. Since the iPad’s debut, I have decided to forgo the idea of a traditional notebook2, and use the iPad as my go-to device for portable computing; I have had to come to terms with the fact that there are things that can be done away from my desk, and things that must wait until I have a cup of tea and my keyboard.
I opted for the 27″ iMac based on two factors, (1) I needed more processing power than my MacBook could provide, and (2) I was smitten.
My architectural major requires a combination of graphic design (both digitally and hand-drawn) and technical prowess. Through my studies I have become fluent in AutoCAD (Revit on Windows 7) and various applications in Adobe’s CS5 Design Suite, including Photoshop (although I do prefer Pixelmator), InDesign and Illustrator.3
My hobbies (aka Let’s Talk Apple) require a completely different set of apps. Some may call my design process strange; I use a combination of Pixelmator, InDesign, Preview and iWeb for all of my graphic design work, and TextWrangler, Flow and Cyberduck for any and all web development.4
As for my recreational activities, I am an avid reader and social media connoisseur. Before the iPhone, I used NetNewsWire almost exclusively for my Apple-related news indulgence. There have been occasions when I have tried other news aggregators, but none had truly peaked my interests. Fast forward to today, and NewNewsWire has been replaced by Silvio Rizzi’s Reeder for Mac – an incredibly powerful and beautifully designed application.
I am not a minimalist by any sense of the word (although, I do like to pretend). You can say, however, I am a fan of minimalist design. I use a handful of Safari Extensions to improve my day-to-day browsing experience; two of my favorites are:
Until Loren Brichter’s Tweetie gets upgraded to 2.0 status (with native re-tweeting), I must rely on Twitter’s iPad-like web interface. Chris Masterson’s Safari Extension, Feather, takes Twitter’s design to another level – one that I can appreciate. If I happen to load Twitter’s default web page through Mobile Safari (on the iPad), a part of me dies a little inside.
Despite my obsession for Twitter, Facebook and I have a strained relationship.5 Back in June 2010, I decided to deactivate my account – only to reactivate it three months later. I’d like to think I have the restraint to ignore all updates Mark Zuckerberg sends my way, but I don’t. An updated News Feed and the all new Groups feature were all I needed to reactivate my account. Milind Alvares’s Safari Extension, Facebook Neue, allows me to comfortably use the social media giant’s service once again.
I am currently the proud owner of both the iPad and iPhone 4.
When purchasing the iPad, I was determined to achieve my current setup: a desktop for any serious design work, and the iPad. In the beginning, I was not entirely sure what I would be using the iPad for. To be honest I, like many, saw the iPad as a “big iPod touch.” Although, unlike many, I could not see this as anything but a good thing.
Today, I use the iPad whenever I am away from my desk. On the couch, in the car, on the plane, in a lecture hall, and even in my studio. If I plan on getting any serious writing done, I use the iPad in combination with Apple’s Bluetooth Keyboard, and Twelve South’s Compass Mobile Stand for iPad.6 To say today’s technology is limited by it’s ability to connect to the internet is an understatement – because of this, I opted for 3G connectivity to remove any constraints that may arise, and use the iPad wherever I happen to be.
As for the apps, my Homescreen.me has a pretty thorough description of the apps I use on a daily basis. Since this *is* the about page, I will appease you with a short list of my favorites. Each hint at how, and what, I use the iPad for:
I have gone though three iPhones since it’s original introduction in 2007 – iPhone, iPhone 3G, and now iPhone 4.
I use the iPhone less as a phone, and more as an internet communications device, a feature many scoffed at during the original keynote and unveiling. Many of my iPhone-dedicated habits involve getting information out of the device. The opposite can be said for my iPad. For example, my most used applications7 include Messages, Twitter and Mail – all communication-based applications.
It’s true, I do use my iPhone for other tasks like taking pictures with Camera+, writing notes in Simplenote, updating my todo list with Things, and catching-up with the latest news in my RSS feed with Reeder. However, these are all tasks I prefer to do either on my iPad or Mac.
When I am not connected to a computer, I am actually a pretty fun guy. I fancy a good meal, or debate – whichever you bring to the table. My girlfriend and I are pretty avid movie-goers/connoisseurs. Some would say Netflix has become our best friend. I enjoy writing. I love music. Mostly, I just like to have a good time.
I am on Twitter, but if you’d prefer our conversation remain private (unless, of course, you happen to be Steve Jobs), email works too. If you got this far, you may be interested in this site’s philosophy.