Category: Tech
svn:externals and the Versions svn Client
Update 2008-06-16: The latest beta of Versions (1.0b2 (31)) now allows you to set a different program for comparisons. I set mine to Changes, which I find a bit easier to work with than FileMerge.
I recently stumbled upon Matthew Weier O’Phinney’s explanation of svn:externals and how you can use it to mix stuff from multiple repositories in one project. This helped me when I was setting up a new project at work, since we keep a lot of core code in a centralized repository, but of course each project gets its own separate location. Matthew’s explanation should be included in the svn documentation, which (as he points out) lacks a simple example of how to use svn:externals.
The gist is to navigate to the folder into which you want to check out the external library, and then execute:
svn propedit svn:externals .
Within the editor session you need to add one line for every external library. The order goes: name of local folder, path to external library, like so:
extlib http://www.foo.com/path/to/external/libary
After you save and exit, an svn update on the directory will pull the external library into the folder you named in the property declaration.
I ran into one small issue — the propedit command requires that the environment variable SVN_EDITOR is set, otherwise it’ll bail. I added a line to my bash profile (export SVN_EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi) to point it to vi. You can also point it to TextMate if you wish, just use export SVN_EDITOR=’mate -w’ instead.
PS3 HDD Upgrade
Ran out of disk space on my 40GB PS3 last week, so I took a bit of time last night to swap out the hard drive. One of the great things about the PS3 is that it uses a standard 2.5″ notebook drive, as opposed to a proprietary setup. I had replaced the stock 120GB drive in my Macbook a while back with a 250GB model, so I decided to put the leftover drive to use. The process was easy, with the actual hard drive swap taking about 10 minutes. Of course, doing a full backup of the data on the PS3 took about an hour, but I just let that run while Jordan and I cooked dinner.
CNET Asia has good step-by-step instructions here. The PS3 backup utility mentioned in the instructions is a bit buried in the XMB interface; here’s the path: Settings >???????? ????? ???????? System Settings > Backup Utility.
After installing the new drive I ran a restore off the backup, and I was up and running again with a bit more headroom for game demos, GT TV downloads, SingStar songs, and TV episodes that I’m making my way through. Finally, I put the old 40GB drive into a portable enclosure for quick data transfers between the office and home.
Filco Majestouch
Update 2009-06-23: It looks like there is finally an official US distributor of Diatec/Filco keyboards, Elite Keyboards. The “Otaku” version has no markings on the keys, like the Das Keyboard.
This just in, after clearing customs from Japan: a Filco Majestouch FKB104M/EB.
I first heard about Filco via the geekhack.org keyboard forums, and eventually ended up placing an order for one via BeNippon. I had originally tried to get the newer FKBN104M/EB (which features N-key rollover) via another Japanese buying service, but it was sold out everywhere they looked. So I went for the standard model, figuring that since I’m not a gamer the lack of N-key rollover wasn’t going to affect me.
Sony’s E-book
From earlier this week: my look at Sony’s Reader Digital Book (such an awkward name), over at Greensearch.
I enjoyed my short time using the Sony Reader, and I would really like to try Amazon’s Kindle just to compare the two. I keep wondering whether both products are too narrowly-focused to make a big impact, however. The whole time I was using the reader I found myself dreaming up a possible alternative — perhaps a larger cousin to the iPhone which also had an e-book reader application, instead of a dedicated e-book reader.
Keyboards Extended II
Update 2008-05-02: Got a SteelSeries 7G to try. It’s a non-starter, because on the Mac the “SteelSeries” function key occupies the left-hand Alt/Option key position and can’t be remapped. When ordering it I thought they had just put the SteelSeries logo over the standard Windows key. So I’m sending it back. Just for reference, the keys are the black Cherry switches with no click. Now I’m looking at importing a Filco Majestouch FKBN104M/EB from Japan.
My previous post brought me a bunch of emails and comments with keyboard suggestions, so I decided to do a quick rundown of their recommendations in a separate post.
John Gruber (whose tag-team podcast episode with Dan Benjamin kicked off all of this typing) has put up a flickr set of his retired Apple Extended Keyboard II. Note the well-worn groove in the spacebar.
A while back while disappearing into this rabbit-hole of a keyboard search I read this overview of the different keyswitch types. The article also has a good note on how most keyswitches require less force to actuate than people apply, and this is due to the amount/type of tactile feedback that the typist receives. It also refers to the Strongman switch, which I believe is in my Matias Tactile Pro 1.0. Interestingly enough, my Tactile Pro looks exactly like a rebranded Strongman board. Hrm. Speaking of the original Tactile Pro, here’s Khoi Vinh’s review from 2005, which led me to both the Tactile Pro and the Macally iceKey.
The new Apple Aluminum Keyboard got more than a few mentions, for a variety of reasons: some cited the small form factor, others the handy OS X-specific function keys. My bosses gave the office a nice surprise a few months ago and bought every employee one of these, and I think only two people (myself being one of them) declined to use it after trying it out. My other coworker said the Caps Lock behavior (where it requires a long press for activation) drove him batty, and that was enough for him to reject it. I found the key travel too short — I had expected it to feel like my Macbook’s keyboard, since it’s basically the same layout, but the keyfeel is different in my opinion.
Jake Seliger, Eric Hood, and Perrin Haley all recommended the buckling-spring (using the same tech as the IBM Model Ms) models from Unicomp. I may order one of these Unicomp boards and see whether it’s an acceptable noise level for the office. Jake Seliger also has a good review of the Matias Tactile Pro 2.0. His review mentions the “shadow/ghost keys” issue with the original Tactile Pro, which I use at home. I haven’t had it happen all that often, but it is annoying when it does since it’s usually when you’ve built up a good head of steam.
I got two mentions for the Das Keyboard II, which has no markings, only scooped F and J keys so you can center your hands. I had thought about ordering one about six months ago but my ever-increasing reliance on TextMate key commands means that this would be an exercise in frustration since that’s the one time I look at the keys and need to see the characters. The Das Keyboard uses keyswitches from Cherry.
Ryan Singer mentioned the Happy Hacking Pro 2. It can be ordered unlabeled, just like the Das Keyboard II.
The one that I’m most itching to try was suggested by Sam Lentz: a SteelSeries 6G. Sam wrote me: “…the keyboard you are looking for exists, but comes from an unlikely place. It is designed by a hardcore computer game hardware manufacturer called SteelSeries.” A blog post from SteelSeries has all the hype over the 6G. Once again, Cherry keyswitches make another appearance. Sam pointed me to this review which mentions the relative noise level, but sadly the recorded sound files are dead links. I’m not sure if there’s a difference in keyswitches between the 6G and the newer 7G; the 7G appears to be easier to find from online retailers. I think I know where part of that economic stimulus check is headed.
Finally, there’s the waffle keyboard.
