Advanced Search
 Time Out - 1.5.2break reminder tool with micro-breaks |
|
||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||
Information Related to Version:
Broken Link? Newer Version? Tell us!
Product Description:
It is very easy to fall into bad habits when using a computer for hours on end. You care about what you are doing, so can sometimes push yourself too far, or over-strain yourself. The human body isn't built to sit in one position for endless hours, gripping a mouse or typing on the keyboard. Dejal Time Out is here to help. It will gently remind you to take a break on a regular basis.
Time Out has two kinds of breaks: a "Normal" break, typically for 10 minutes after 50 minutes of work, so you can move about and relax, plus a "Micro" break: a very brief pause of typically 10 seconds every 10 minutes, so you can remember not to tense up too much for long periods.
You can configure how long each kind of break lasts, and how long between breaks, or disable each kind. Each Time Out is announced via the screen slowly dimming, with related graphics materializing, and when the break is complete, it fades out again. You can change the time these transitions take... and you can even change the color and the level of transparency during the break. So if you like, you can make it mostly transparent so you can continue reading while on your break... though it's better for you if you give your eyes a rest during the Time Out.
At the start and/or end of the break, you can optionally play a sound, and even run an Automator workflow, AppleScript, or application.
Time Out is released as Freeware. You are welcome to use it at no cost.
Time Out has two kinds of breaks: a "Normal" break, typically for 10 minutes after 50 minutes of work, so you can move about and relax, plus a "Micro" break: a very brief pause of typically 10 seconds every 10 minutes, so you can remember not to tense up too much for long periods.
You can configure how long each kind of break lasts, and how long between breaks, or disable each kind. Each Time Out is announced via the screen slowly dimming, with related graphics materializing, and when the break is complete, it fades out again. You can change the time these transitions take... and you can even change the color and the level of transparency during the break. So if you like, you can make it mostly transparent so you can continue reading while on your break... though it's better for you if you give your eyes a rest during the Time Out.
At the start and/or end of the break, you can optionally play a sound, and even run an Automator workflow, AppleScript, or application.
Time Out is released as Freeware. You are welcome to use it at no cost.
What's new in this version:
- Added support for Spaces in Leopard; the break now appears on all Spaces, even if you switch Spaces mid-break.
- Enhanced the URLs for the Help menu to better support localization.
- Switched the distribution method to ZIP archives instead of disk images, as it's simpler for everyone. Feedback welcome!
Operating System Requirements:
This product is designed to run on the following operating systems:
- Mac OS X 10.5 Intel
- Mac OS X 10.5 PPC
- Mac OS X 10.4 Intel
- Mac OS X 10.4 PPC
- Mac OS X 10.3.9
Additional Requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.
Screenshots:
Download Links:
Download Time Out Now (File Size: 1.8M)
Your Installed Versions:
Feedback Summary:
| This Version: | |||||
| Overall Rating: | Not rated (0.0) | Features: | Not rated (0.0) | Support: | Not rated (0.0) |
| Ease of Use: | Not rated (0.0) | Quality / Stability: | Not rated (0.0) | Price: | Not rated (0.0) |
Key to Types of Feedback:
Reviews 
Troubleshooting 
Usage Tips 
Developer Notes 
Commentary 
Featured Reviews
Saves your eyesight and body! - Version: 1.5.2, 3/20/2008 02:35PM PST
pat1990
This program was recommended to me. I have chronic dry eye and am nearsighted and being at my iMac all day aggravates both of these. Time Out has two different kinds of breaks.There's a short break - I use that to just look away from my computer every 10 minutes for 10 seconds. The main break is long enough to get out from my chair and away from my iMac to stretch for 10 minutes. You can set either of the short or long break to take place at any interval you want FOR any time you want. Sometimes if I'm working on an article I choose to "skip" the break not to lose my train of thought. This has greatly reduced my eyestrain and helped improve my dry eyes.
This tool has changed my life! - Version: 1.5.1, 11/20/2007 01:24PM PST
penina1
My back and neck are better... my eyes are better... and stepping away from the computer for a few minutes is helping me think, create, etc. No more slogging away at a project that just doesn't seem to solve itself!
I started out by breaking for just five minutes every 50 minutes, and have gradually worked up. I can now step away for eight minutes without becoming impatient.
Also, consider turning the "fade out" time way down. Having your screen fade for 30 seconds (the default) may be as annoying to you as it was for me. If I want to delay or cancel the break, I have to sit there and wait until the options appear. Turning the fade down to about 5 seconds means I can quickly click a button to skip the break if I am doing something that just can't wait.
I started out by breaking for just five minutes every 50 minutes, and have gradually worked up. I can now step away for eight minutes without becoming impatient.
Also, consider turning the "fade out" time way down. Having your screen fade for 30 seconds (the default) may be as annoying to you as it was for me. If I want to delay or cancel the break, I have to sit there and wait until the options appear. Turning the fade down to about 5 seconds means I can quickly click a button to skip the break if I am doing something that just can't wait.
Worth using 
- Version: 1.5.1, 9/4/2007 08:17PM PST
laurakling
Time Out offers 2 kinds of breaks, both which are user defined. The main break--I have mine set for a 2 minute break every hour--allows enough time to get some serious work done before getting up, stretching and moving around. The micro breaks are very brief and acts as a gentle reminder to breath and move, but are not long enough to break your chain of thought. There's an option to allow a break to be postponed or skipped, which is handy if a client is sitting next to you. I've found the program to be very helpful and easy to use. I appreciate all the user defined options for setting breaks. My back, neck and shoulders are pleased too.
