43 Folders

43 Folders feed subscription icon - Shiny!Time, Attention, and Creative Work. After 4 years and a lot of productivity pr0n, we’re shifting gears. Re-learn how to use 43 Folders. Then back to work. [»]

”What’s 43 Folders?”
43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

Three OS X Timers

I know I’m not the only timer nerd here – check out three Mac-friendly ways to time your activities and make sure you stay on track.

ProdMe - Dashboard - Status

Looking forward to trying this, but the DL link appears to be temporarily overwhelmed.

Clock chimes return to Mac OS X! ProdMe replicates this greatly-missed feature from Mac OS 9, and also provides two additional modes for repeating audio alerts. In addition to traditional clock chimes, ProdMe also provides the option to play a sound at any time interval, using any of the available alert sounds. Great for anyone who finds that time tends to slip away faster than expected.

Features:

  • Chimes can be set at either arbitrary time intervals or synchronized with the clock (like traditional clock chimes).
  • Multiple copies of the widget can be open at once, with independent settings for each copy.
  • Choice of five different background colors.
  • Honors 12-hour or 24-hour time format (as specified in the International system preferences).

Konfabulator - Gallery - TenPlusTwo

Haven’t tried this one yet either (don’t use Konfabulator, myself), but I’m a fan of its inspiration:

Can’t stop procrastinating? Force yourself to work for 10 minutes, then force yourself to take a 2 minute break. Repeat.

Leave this countdown timer running, and it changes colors and plays sounds to indicate what you should be doing.


Minuteur 4.3 - MacUpdate

Finally, in other timer news, my own timer of choice, Minuteur, just keeps on adding great little tweaks. From the version 4.3 update notes:

  • Add fullscreen mode.
  • Add Dock menu.
  • Add dynamic Dock icon.
  • The ruler contextual menu is now editable.

Fullscreen mode is pretty sweet if you want to run a timed dash but not let the allure of your Mac distract you. Just creates a big old black screen with the time counting down. Very cool.

And don’t forget – Minuteur’s got tons of neat little affordances to control the timer, so be sure to read the “About Minuteur” section for instructions.

Travis Owens's picture

Here's a good windows one...

Here’s a good windows one (fully functional but he requests $5 if you use it)

http://www.soft14.com/Desktop_Enhancements/Alarms_Clocks_and_Calendars/Egg_Timer_6463_Review.html

 
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The Podcast Feed

Inbox Zero

The original 43 Folders series looking at the skills, tools, and attitude needed to empty your email inbox — and then keep it that way. Don’t miss the free video of Merlin’s Inbox Zero presentation.

Making Time

3-part series on attention management for artists and makers. Read Bad Correspondence, The Job You Think You Have, and One Clear Line.