Having wittered on about how much I enjoy using both PlainText on the iPad and Writeroom on the Macintosh - both ‘distraction free’ text editors from Hogbay Software - I find that I’ve had my head turned. You can read my full review on the IT Reviews web site but suffice to say that this is a joy to use. It’s called Ommwriter, is available for Mac, Windows and iPad, has a free trial and a paid for version that costs a few pounds. Instead of becoming anxious by the thought of a blank page, I now embrace it. I’ve already used it to write a fishing story (always the best test for me) and the way it plays with ambient background sound effects and little key clicks sets the scene beautifully for a writer, without getting in the way. I can’t use Word on the Mac any more. I just can’t.

Since someone in the office has just had their lunch delivered by post (yes, by post) I thought I’d mention this - MacGourmet Deluxe 1.2. It’s an impossibly detailed recipe and wine database that also lets you create and share a personalised cookbook. Over the top? Certainly, but the ability to go to great sites like Epicurious, find a recipe, highlight the URL and then have MacGourmet import it - pictures and all - directly into the database, is just fantastic. And I say so too in my article on IT Reviews.

When you go back as far as I do - WordStar on the CALText anyone? - it’s nice to come across a product that not only works beautifully, but also reminds you of - sigh - the good old days. Meet Writeroom, which takes all that lovely Macintosh screen furniture and chucks it away, leaving you with an empty screen and the text you type. It’s billed as ‘distraction-free writing’ and for anyone who needs to just get on and write, it’s brilliant. Less than $25.00 too. Read my review on IT Reviews.

If, like me, you bought a Mac from John Lewis because it came with a two year warranty, then beware. If you phone up to get it fixed when it’s gone wrong, you’re quite likely to end up speaking to someone who gives you duff information - for example, trying to pass you off to Apple. This two year warranty is the responsibility of JL and not anyone else. Persevere and you should be able to get it fixed under the terms of the agreement for nothing. Like they promised.