Filed under: Software, Cool tools, iBook, Internet Tools, PowerBook
Location X - automatically adjust settings on the go
If you're an iBook/PowerBook user who is constantly fiddling with various settings depending on where you are, point your mouse towards Location X for the solution to all your preference-changing woes. I only played with this for about 5 minutes before plunking down my $20 for it, as I am already in love. This app makes me cry out "why doesn't OS X do this already??" Then I realize I'm alone in my apartment right now, which just makes me feel weird.
Anyway, Location X is essentially a management app for all the various settings you might have to constantly set and reset, depending on which networks your Mac connects to throughout the day. For example: in between classes, I use wifi at Starbucks since all of the networks on my campus have most of their ports restricted. Well, Starbucks' wifi treats SMTP servers that require authentication in an odd way, so I'm constantly having to change my SMTP server when I sit down for a cup o' joe. But Location X, as you can see in my screenshot, can do so much more. Not only can this latest v2.5 do automatic network detection, it can set default printers, adjust energy settings, change browser homepages, run applescripts, change security preferences and so much more. It even has a plugin architecture, opening the doors for anyone else to build in even more settings and functionality.
I highly recommend this app for any of you mobile warriors out there who are tired of constantly adjusting settings like these, simply because you're on the go during the day. Location X is shareware which costs $20 (a bargain, if you ask me), while a demo that allows for 8 location switches is available here.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
techwreck said 7:37PM on 1-30-2006
Don't worry-we all find outselves talking outloud in our apartments at one point or another.
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Seth just said 7:40PM on 1-30-2006
is there anything like this in the free price range?
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adreas said 8:18PM on 1-30-2006
this is a great app. autolocate works very well. i too must ask: "why doesn't OS X do this already??"
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Jumi said 10:06PM on 1-30-2006
Yep, this one's a winner. Make's life far less of a hassle going between work, coffee, and home. No worries about setting security, printers, or anything else of note. Autolocate really makes it pain-free and seamless. Only sad more plugins havewn't been developed by others.
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David Chartier said 11:46PM on 1-30-2006
#2: The only site I know you might have a shot at is MacScripters.net, they whip out some automated stuff like this. I highly doubt it's this well-done though.
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jef said 12:27AM on 1-31-2006
i think i had this on my lombard.. it was called location manager. good to see someone bringing it back.
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harrisjamieh said 1:48AM on 1-31-2006
YOU CAN ALREADY DO THIS IN OSX!!! Go to the apple menu, and go down to locations, there you can store multiple locations. All you have to do is set up you settings in sys pref's, and then give the location a name. Then do it again for another location. I have mine setup so theres home and school
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C said 8:02AM on 1-31-2006
Please stop recommending really nifty and helpful applications which I come to depend upon! ;-)
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SubGenius said 9:29AM on 1-31-2006
"why doesn't OS X do this already??" -- Good question
"How come OS 9 had this feature and after 4 major revisions to OS X we still don't have this functionality (especially considering how popular portables are now?*#%!? -- Even better question
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consumer_q said 12:08PM on 1-31-2006
Was/Is there something like this for somewhat system-wide settings for when I move from computer to computer? I think I remember something that would fit on an iPod or flash drive. ring a bell?
thank you
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