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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.

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WHAT'S NEW
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 10.3.9 or later.


SCREENSHOT

Developer:Dejal Systems, LLC
Downloads:7,260
  - Version d/l:304
Business:Personal Info Managers
License:Free
Date:19 Jun 2008
Platform:PPC/Intel
RATING
****½
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    Dejal Time Out User Reviews (15 posts)Write A Review
    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 ]
    View all 15 posts >>