iCal as a Screensaver

Posted on | May 29, 2009 |

What tech whiz came up with the idea of the screen saver, anyway? Believe it or not, those too-cute flying toasters that used to pop up onscreen when our computers were at rest served a function other than entertainment. But Macintosh users don’t know that screensavers were invented to serve a technical function. Back when computers had monochrome CRT monitors, screensavers prevented phosphor burn-in. Those toasters, swimming fish, tail-wagging puppies, were there for more than just entertainment.

Nowadays, with the advent of Macintosh and other computers that make the originals look like dinosaurs, everyone has LCD computer monitors, so screensavers aren’t needed because burn-in isn’t an issue. Nevertheless, we all love our screen savers. If you’re using your Macintosh at the office, your screen saver provides protection from your nosy co-worker’s prying eyes. Now iCal users can have an iCal screensaver.

Now screen savers serve more than just privacy issues. They can also serve to express our identity with photos and graphics. Sophisticated Macintosh users who use iCal and Address Book might want a more functional screensaver. Now they can have one. A company named PocketMac has come up with a program called PocketMac iCalScreenSaver. This great new tool projects all of your iCal appointments onto your screen saver when your computer’s resting. Your screensaver cycles through your iCal calendar day by day, week by week, until your entire month’s schedule is lit up on your screen. It can also display your Address Book contacts, if you choose.

You can customize your PocketMac iCalScreenSaver with four different color schemes: sunset, blue-grey, tangerine and green. You can also decide which of your calendars you want to display on your iCal screen saver. Your business appointments can show up at your office and your personal appointments can appear at home, if that’s what you want. You can also exclude certain personal appointments from your iCal screensaver.

Installing PocketMac iCalScreenSaver on your Macintosh is really simple.

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