In a world where technology is increasingly conspiring to steal our focus and attention, my goal is to teach you how to be more productive with Apple technology. I want to help you achieve what is most important to you and enjoy your life at the same time using technology instead of becoming another one of its victims. Pretty much everything I make points at that North Star. I believe in this message so much that I’ve staked my livelihood on it.
In Praise of Pencils
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Hi Friends, I very much have an analog side. Sometimes I find slowing down and writing things down helps me process thoughts a little better. That doesn't mean the things I write with paper and pencil necessarily stay that way forever, but quite often, it's an excellent first draft. As an analog explorer, I've gone down the rabbit hole over the years of fancy pens, including fountain pens. But several years ago, I found an old box of pencils and decided on a whim to try using those. I never looked back. It's easy to think of the simple pencil as that thing we used back in school, never to be touched again, but pencils have a lot of merits. They're erasable. If you make a mistake, you can erase it and do it over. But that goes even deeper. A pencil's erasable nature makes it easier to take risks when writing. They dry instantly. The fancier and more expensive your pen gets, it seems, the longer you have to wait for the ink to dry. Not so with a pencil. They work in extreme conditions. You can write with a pencil underwater, in extreme heat or cold, or even zero gravity. When I had a fountain pen, I was terrified to use it on an airplane because I kept reading about fountain pen ink vessels failing under airplane cabin pressure. That's just not a thing when you use pencils. I also find the process of sharpening pencils therapeutic. It gives me a minute to stop and think. Over the years, I've bought several different sharpeners, ranging from a simple hand twist to a fancy one that's more akin to a hand plane. They're all delightful and give me a break to stop and think while writing. Overall, there's an appealing simplicity to pencils. There's no cables or batteries or sync issues—you just pick it up and write. There’s also a strange sense of accomplishment when you use up a pencil down to the nib. I look at it and think, “I made something relevant with this.” I like the way pencils embrace impermanence. Anything I write with my pencil is subject to change, and that's okay. It almost invites mindfulness as you sit there, sharpening a pencil, and then listen to the scratch, scratch, scratch across the paper as you write down your thoughts. I doubt this essay is going to get many converts. I think most people still think of pencils as things for third graders. But boy, do I love mine. If you're curious, my favorite pencil is the Mitsubishi 9852 EW. They are inexpensive and a pleasure to use. See this post in the browser. This Month in the MacSparky LabsJuly was a busy month in the MacSparky Labs, with members diving deep into productivity workflows and Apple's latest features. We spent considerable time exploring Apple Reminders, including a dedicated deep dive session and hands-on videos covering the new quick capture features in iOS 26. The monthly book club continued with our exploration of "Tiny Experiments," while our regular Jam Sessions tackled career discussions—a topic that clearly resonated with the community. Members also got early access to beta experiences and explored creative uses for familiar apps like Voice Memos for transcription and Apple's Journal app on iPadOS. Beyond the Apple ecosystem, we experimented with AI tools like ChatGPT and Image Playground, tested alternative browsers like Dia, and even discussed unconventional productivity approaches like using glass boards for accountability. The regular Lab Reports, meetups, and quarterly planning sessions kept everyone connected and focused on what's working in their personal productivity systems. The labs really have become a platform for collaborative exploration, and I love that. Anyway, here's thre full listing:
Your pal, Upgrade Your iPhone without Spending a Dime (Sponsor)I wanted to tell you about another great newsletter I think you’ll love — the iPhone Life Tip of the Day newsletter. It’s a free daily newsletter that helps you discover your Apple device’s hidden features. Every day, you’ll get a one-minute tip on how to get the most from your Apple devices like:
I like to read the iPhone Life Tip of the Day newsletter each morning over a cup of coffee. Every tip includes expert advice, easy-to-follow how-tos, and helpful screenshots. |
David Sparks (MacSparky)
In a world where technology is increasingly conspiring to steal our focus and attention, my goal is to teach you how to be more productive with Apple technology. I want to help you achieve what is most important to you and enjoy your life at the same time using technology instead of becoming another one of its victims. Pretty much everything I make points at that North Star. I believe in this message so much that I’ve staked my livelihood on it.
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