This week in TidBITS, we have another installment in our Power of Preview series that teaches you how to use Preview to annotate PDFs and images. The single USB-C port of the MacBook can be limiting, but Acer has released a monitor that connects via USB-C, provides additional USB-A ports, and can even charge the MacBook — Julio Ojeda-Zapata offers his impressions. For those interested in a standing desk but perturbed by the prices, Julio also rounds up some affordable options for your home office. Finally, we have the latest chapter of Glenn Fleishman’s “Take Control of Slack Basics,” in which Glenn explains all you need to know about channels. Notable software releases this week include GarageBand 10.1.1, Pixelmator 3.4.4, and 1Password 6.2.1.
You’ve learned how to create simple and advanced messages in Slack; in this week’s serialized chapter, Glenn Fleishman explains all about channels, the main place where discussions happen in Slack. Did you know that all Slack team members can create channels by default?
Apple’s 12-inch MacBook is terrific on the go but can feel limiting in an office where large display sizes matter. Acer’s new H277HU display addresses this by letting you connect to it from a MacBook via USB-C. It provides 27 inches of screen real estate along with two USB-A ports and power to the MacBook.
Motorized standing desks are all the rage, thanks to height adjustability and purported health benefits, but they suffer from high prices. Luckily, lower-cost alternatives exist. Julio Ojeda-Zapata tested a half-dozen adjustable platforms that perch atop regular furniture.
We once again explore the power of Preview, OS X’s built-in document and image viewer, with a focus on using Preview to annotate images and PDFs.
Notable software releases this week include GarageBand 10.1.1, Pixelmator 3.4.4, and 1Password 6.2.1.
In ExtraBITS this week, since the FBI has admitted that its existing iPhone crack doesn’t work on newer models, the Justice Department is still pursuing court orders to force Apple to unlock encrypted iPhones. Beyond that ongoing story, an exploit could let your cable modem be knocked offline, your Netflix bill may be higher next month, Bill Atkinson offers insight into the Mac’s origins, and Macminicolo is merging with MacStadium.