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DESCRIPTION
Dejal Time Out helps remind you to take work breaks throughout the day.
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, optionally playing a sound. 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.
Time Out is released as Freeware. You are welcome to use it at no cost.
WHAT'S NEW
Version 1.5.4:
- Replaced the use of an undocumented routine to check the idle time with an approved one, to fix compatibility with Snow Leopard.
- Updated the bundled Adium scripts to support the current versions of the Adium instant messaging client, thanks to Nic Munroe. Note: if you used a previous version of Time Out, the scripts won't be replaced, in case you've customized them. You can download the updated scripts from the Time Out Extras site.
- Fixed an issue with the Preferences window, where edits might not be saved when quitting with the window still open (specifically when an edit is still active).
- Removed the old crash reporter, since it doesn't support Leopard crash logs.
- Now requires a minimum of Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger).
Version 1.5.3:
- Improved the idle detection when the computer was sleeping.
- Added a hidden preference to output debug information about scheduling and idle detection to the Console log. It can be activated by entering "defaults write com.dejal.timeout DebugScheduler YES" in Terminal. You shouldn't turn this on unless you think Time Out isn't working properly, as it outputs quite a lot of information.
- Fixed a cosmetic bug with the Check for Updates feature when using a general release and wanting only general releases, and a beta release is available.
Version 1.5.2:
- 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!
Version 1.5.1:
- Fixed a bug that caused the Pause Breaks and Reset Breaks commands to remain disabled.
- Changed the Begin Micro Break command to work if you postponed a Normal break and the Normal break is due very soon; the overlap avoidance feature is inappropriate for manually started breaks.
Version 1.5:
- Introduced a much nicer application icon, professionally designed by Emily Pfeifer.
- Rearranged the break contents: the progress bar and buttons are now in a box, and the icon is bigger... and prettier. :)
- Added options to the Appearance page to individually show or hide the Postpone and Skip buttons, and to change the number of minutes for the two Postpone ones.
- Added direct support for running Python scripts.
- Fixed some issues with scheduling breaks after postponing.
- The Dejal logo was also redesigned by Emily Pfeifer, so all places it occurred have been updated.
- Renamed the application to remove the exclamation point.
- Added improved exception logging, to help with diagnosing any future issues.
- Added the Dejal Blog and Forums to Help menu.
- Fixed an error that a few people experienced when checking for updates.
- Minor tweaks for Leopard (10.5) compatibility.
REQUIREMENTS
Mac OS X 10.4 or later.
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| Dejal Time Out User Reviews (15 posts) | Write A Review |
 | Jun 15 2009 |
GPROVAN I suffer from sciatica and have to sit no longer than 15 minutes at a time without taking a break. It's very easy to forget, so I started looking for some kind of timed alert. Little did I realise that there were quite a few applications which catered for this kind of thing. After trying a few and being a little disappointed with the crudeness and lack of options, I stumbled across Time Out. Instantly, it struck a chord with me. It's elegant, sophisticated, and has the right amount of configurability for me. I've been using it for several months now without a problem. It feels comfortably integrated into my system and pleasantly reminds me when I need to take a time out. The author has mentioned that he is working on a new version which will integrate most of the features requested by users. To be honest, I can't see much that needs added.
(Version 1.5.4) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jun 8 2008 |
MACPUG Dejal’s Time Out helps you combat RSI (Repetitive Stress Injury) and encourages you to take frequent breaks while working or playing at your computer. It's easy to get involved in something and, before you know it, you realize that your neck, shoulders, and back are aching! That’s where Time Out comes into play. It reminds you to take regular breaks. There are several customization options via the preferences menu. There is also a button that allows you to postpone the break or to skip it altogether. Many new features, some that are now available by running Automator actions or scripts, will be included when v. 2.0 is released. For now, Time Out is free. Use it, love it, and get attached to it. Consider making a donation to further Time Out’s development. Anyone who makes a donation in any amount prior to the upgrade being released will receive a free license for Version 2. You can’t beat that!
(Version 1.5.2) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Mar 20 2008 |
PAT2004 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.
(Version 1.5.2) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
 | Feb 6 2008 |
MUSUBANA Thank you so much that this is still available for Tiger users!
(Version 1.5.2) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jul 30 2007 |
SLOB Couldn't agree more. Best break timer I've ever used, in every way. My shoulders say 'thank you!'
(Version 1.5) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jul 30 2007 |
BMEGUY I want to thank the developer for making this great software available for free. It's very useful for avoiding the pain of repetitive stress and screen staring; but also just as useful for avoiding the frustration of wasting time browsing around. Use the breaks to "wake up"!
(Version 1.5) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Mar 2 2007 |
ROGERGORDON After 5 months spent staring at a screen for more than 7 hours a day, I realised that my productivity wasn't optimum, and my eyes were taking strain. I did a Google search and found Time Out! I've only been using this product for a day, but already my productivity and concentration has improved dramatically. Being reminded to take breaks, both short and long, helps me to focus on the task at hand and avoids me 'not seeing the forest for the trees' by getting too focussed on insignificant details. The software works well, and the customer support is fantastic - I sent feedback about the product and was contacted by the developer within a few hours. This is a great product that I'm sure will yield health and productivity benefits for years to come. Get it!
(Version 1.4.1) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jun 5 2006 |
PSYKOLOGIK I love computing, but I have a classic ADHD mind that can get lost for hours in work or browsing, only to find myself tired and frustrated, eyes totally fried and wrists numb. Time Out! really helps jolt me back into reality and help keep me from getting lost in unhealthy states of hyperfocus. I absolutely love Time Out! I have needed something like this for years. I've even tried other anti-RSI programs, but this is the best yet, and as I understand it, the next release will include every one of the little features that are lacking in this one, such as a mandatory break mode! If you ever struggle with keeping a balance between living in your real and cyber worlds, definitely give Time Out! a try.
(Version 1.4.1) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Apr 12 2006 |
SAIL Works like a dream on Panther. Very useful for those like me who's mind (and fingers) wonder when they are supposed to be working instead of surfing! Works as a reminder to get back to work, but also as a way to split chucks of work into manageable sections of time, all completely configurable! Great that you can set sounds for when your break comes and when it's up! If nothing else, you should give this a try!
(Version 1.4) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Mar 17 2006 |
SCHMELDING Very handy application. I recommend it highly especially for designers who spend a lot of screen time. Dog-ugly icon, though. 5 stars for when you get a new one. In the meantime, I've hacked my Time Out with my own icon selection.
(Version 1.4) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
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| View all 15 posts >> |
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