• Abusing NSDictionary

    Lately I've been more aware of developers using NSDictionary where a class should be used. While it may seem easier to use an NSDictionary to store data and pass it around, the lack of type checking and easily mistype keys is prone to failure. Creating classes with a bunch of properties has gotten even easier with the latest version of Xcode; you don't even have to synthesize properties. Just define the properties and presto, you have a class where you would have used an NSDictionary. NSDictionaries have their place, but in many cases classes serve developers better.

  • Social media for customer service

    In the last few years, people have taken their frustrations dealing with customer service reps to social media. Companies, in turn, are reacting quite quickly to complaints and reaching out to customers. While I'm not sure I'm a fan of jumping on social media before giving companies a chance to fix the problem, it seems to be an amazingly effective tool.

  • Review: Une Bobine

    As some that read this blog know, I'm still in the pursuit of a good stand for my iPhones. While I do most of my iOS development using the simulator, there are times when I need to test on an actual device, a stand comes in handy. I've backed a number of Kickstarter projects for stands, but have generally not been pleased. The last project I backed was the Une Bobine. This "stand" is a flexible iPhone cable wrapped in a metal coil that retains it shape.

  • Review: Logitech Squeezebox Radio

    A number of years ago, I installed a whole house audio system and used the Squeezebox series of devices as audio sources. When we moved into a rental six months ago, we pretty much stopped listening to music in the house as it just wasn't convenient. I had seen the Squeezebox Radio come across on Slickdeals for an open box, but I didn't act on it in time. About a month ago, I saw on Slickdeals that Office Depot was closing out the boxes, so I acted quickly and purchased the last one at the local Office Depot.