Anti-Distraction Apps: Keep Yourself On Task
It seems that most Mac users hate distractions, but can easily be distracted. That’s why there are so many apps out there to keep you focused. Here are a couple anti-distraction apps that can help keep you focused.
This app has already been featured on MacApper, so you might be somewhat familiar with it. Think lets you focus on one application without getting distracted by the dock or other open applications. It accomplishes this by putting a solid color background that hides all but your selected application. There is a simple user interface bar that allows you to change the color of the background, as well as the level of transparency.
Pros: Think has a clean and unobtrusive user interface. It’s easy to change the background color and transparency preferences.
Cons: I only have two complaints about Think. First, you have to use its built-in application switcher to switch between applications. Otherwise, the background goes away and you’re back to distractionville. Second, there is no built-in keyboard shortcut for Think’s application switcher. You have to press a button on the application’s panel. For someone who uses Alt-Tab extensively, this is a problem.
Backdrop is a similar app to Think. It will create a “backdrop” color of your choice that will hide applications under it. It has the added feature of allowing you to assign a background picture instead of a boring color. I find only marginal value in that feature since a picture would probably be…distracting.
Pros: This is the only anti-distraction app that I’ve seen with the option of having a background image. I suppose that might come in handy at some point.
Cons: Like Think, this app shows up in the Alt-Tab menu and on the Dock. Also, it does not isolate applications. For example, if you switch between a Safari window and your text editor, both windows remain above the “backdrop”. That kind of defeats the purpose of having the backdrop.
Isolator is another app that will give you the solid color background and hides your desktop. However, unlike Think, Isolator is a menubar application. You can configure the background color and level transparency from its Preferences. Isolator is by far my favorite anti-distraction app.
Pros: It is a menu bar app, so there is no icon in the Alt-Tab menu, nor does it clutter up the Dock while it’s running. It also has the hotkey F8 assigned to turn the background on and off, a big plus.
Cons: The only downside I see about this app is that there is no option to set a background image.
Overall, each application offered the basic functionality of a background to hide all the stuff you don’t want to see. However, I think Isolator does it the best. Check them out and let me know what you think.
This app is fun to play around with, because I think it was designed very nicely, but to me it seems useless. After having this app open for a while I realized it just wasn’t for me. Nice try though, Freeverse. Isolator def. looks like the best one.
Link to MacUser Think post: [ http://feeds.macuser.com/~r/macuser/~3/87372497/think_10_released_without_thou.php ]
This was a great complement to my post right under this about PresentYourApps. Good timing!
The most useful anti-distraction app for me is MegaZoomer, a SIMBL plugin which basically lets you do the equivalent of the Windows maximize button, so you aren’t wasting all that screen real estate with some background.
Glad you liked it! Thanks to the editors for making it beautiful!
@Neal,
Does this zoomer app work when you need to have two windows up? For example, when I’m writing I have my outline/thoughts on the left in a text window and my article on the right…Would it work for that?
I think Backdrop’s ability to show an image is good for taking a screen shot of an app on the default Aqua wallpaper.
Or you could always just hide your dock and make the application as full screen as possible..
i just turn my internet off whenever possible (ie. never
Desktopple is what I use (http://foggynoggin.com). It really helps keep me on task.
[...] Isolator [via MacApper] [...]
Think and isolator don’t seem to work on my MBP. However, Backdrop is pretty slick and works no problem.
[...] [Via MacApper] [...]
Excuse, and what you think concerning forthcoming elections?
cool blog!
cool blog!
[...] done each day must really be helping you get places. Applications to keep you focused have been featured here before, but I would like to give you my take on [...]
I definitely agree with the recommendation for Isolator, it works very well and IMHO works better with OSX’s standards.
I have used many apps to keep my focus and cut down on visual distraction. Currently I’ve settled 3 different applications to do this.
1. Isolator
to focus between apps
2. Camouflage
to hide the desktop
3. Spirited Away 0.6 (works under tiger)
to hide apps that I haven’t used in a few
user defined moments
And a 4th worth mentioning is the only app you have to pay for Sticky Windows which gives you tabs al la system 9 that can automatically open and close
Plus you can use spaces multiple desktops
Hi Guys, I just found a pretty nice site for unlock / jailbreak/ iphone 3g 3gs and iphone4 jailbreak.
http://www.anysim.net
Thank u Anysim Team for fast Support.
Did everybody now when the update ios 4.3 for iphone4 comes?
The iPad has been presented this week and alongside its introduction, iOS 4.3 made its appearance and will be shipped with the new iPad. Apple also announced that the iOS 4.3 software update will be available on the same day the new iPad will be on Apple Store tables and shelves: March 11. As you may know, iOS 4.3 will present a number of new features such as iTunes Home Sharing and possibly the most anticipated feature, the Personal Hotspot.
http://privatecams.de.tl
http://www.bmw-eba.de.tl
http://www.unlock-com.de.tl
” She was pictured at the event wearing a yellow long-sleeved top with a round neck and navy-blue leggings. She was also carrying a Louis Vuitton bag with beige handles and brown-coloured end panels. She was also thought to be carrying her blackberry mobile phone which had a white phone case. “www.louisvuittondesigner.org
” She was pictured at the event wearing a yellow long-sleeved top with a round neck and navy-blue leggings. She was also carrying a Louis Vuitton bag with beige handles and brown-coloured end panels. She was also thought to be carrying her blackberry mobile phone which had a white phone case. “http://www.louisvuittondesigner.org/
I am continuously searching online for tips that can help me. Thank you!
Have you ever thought about creating an ebook
or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based on the same subjects
you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information.
I know my audience would enjoy your work. If you are even
remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.
Everything is very open with a very clear clarification
of the issues. It was definitely informative. Your
site is very helpful. Thank you for sharing!
Also visit my website :: ralph lauren homme