Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
Experts recommend that those who use computers for long time periods need to take frequent breaks to prevent health issues from arising. Dejal Time Out for Mac allows users to track when these breaks should occur and has a number of useful options for the task.
Both download and installation of Dejal Time Out for Mac completed quickly, despite the lack of a native installer. There were no user instructions or tutorials available, which was a disappointment since some of the options required trial and error to figure out. Technical support did not appear to be present either. The actual program does not have a menu, but the preferences section brings up a screen that appears dated. The user can change the timing of preset breaks, as well as the sound that plays at their beginning and end. When the break time is reached, the program displays an image indicating how much time remains before the user can restart work. The user can opt to skip or postpone a break with a quick button press. Users may also program smaller alarms for micro breaks. While working in the background, the program tracked and displayed all of the preset breaks as indicated.
For those users looking for a way to track short breaks while working on their computers, Dejal Time Out for Mac performs this function well and would be a welcome option on their Mac systems.
Publisher's Description
From Dejal:
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.
What's new in this version:
- Fixed issue that prevented the timers from starting when auto-launched until Time Out is brought to the front the first time.
- Now sets the state of the auto-launch preference checkbox from whether or not it'll actually be launched, rather than just what was previously chosen (a subtle difference).
- Fixed the minimum OS requirement, so trying to launch it on an OS version before 10.7 will give an alert instead of unexpected behavior.
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All versions:
4.8 starsout of 20 votes
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Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
Write review
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"Taking Time Out brings multiple benefits!"
Version: Dejal Time Out 1.6.3
Pros
It's so easy for me to get carried away when I'm on my computer. Time Out is the perfect balance of being a gentle and firm reminder to shift my perspective and regain balance. Once reminded, I am free to choose any activity -- brief eye exercises for now. I can feel my body's gratitude, and I think my computer projects are better for it.
Cons
What should have been simple preference settings -- duration of time out, time between, etc -- became a tangle of confusing results. Maybe it was me . . . :)
Summary
I LOVE this app! It's added a mini-spa to my computer work, and I've got several more ideas for using it. I've been lazy to integrate time outs when I'm on the computer, and this has been a heaven-sent ticket. It works better than a timer for me, so I'm wondering how I could set up this kind of a reminder in the rest of my life!
And -- it's FREE! -
"Helps me keep track of my working time!"
Version: Dejal Time Out 1.5.7
Pros
I can easily get caught up in my work (I'm a computer graphic designer) and I'd look up at the clock and it would be up to six hours later. This has brought on auras and migraines and I did research and found out that I needed regular breaks.
Cons
The breaks seem to come so quick, but I know that I NEED to take them, they are for my own good. There is an override button or a button that I can push my breaks off for 5 or 10 minutes (this would be a plus). So I really have NO cons!
Summary
I highly recommend this program for anyone like me who can get caught up in their computer work and miss meals. It is NOT good to continually be looking at the computer screen without stretching or getting up and eating a meal. Since I have installed this program I have NOT had any more auras!! I have taken the breaks, maybe pushing them off for 5 minutes but knowing one is coming up. This has been a very positive thing for me!
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"Works For Me"
Version: Dejal Time Out 1.5.7
Pros
The 15-second break is great for stretching, or just as a reminder to check posture, change position. There's something friendly/silly about it that makes me more willing to go along with it than I thought I'd be.
Cons
there are no cons, unless you count getting used to the 10-minute break--never realized 10 minutes could be so long!
Summary
It's working for me
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"Exactly what I was looking for"
Version: Dejal Time Out 1.5.6
Pros
Simple interface, does exactly what it's supposed to do.
Cons
There was a slight bug at start up and I had to restart it. Haven't had any bugs since.
Summary
I needed a simple program to remind and require me to look away from my computer every few minutes and to get up and stretch every hour. This program does exactly that. It's perfect in that it temporarily blocks access to your computer while you're in a time out, but you are able to cancel or delay each break if needed. The zen imagery is a good reminder that a little time out is restorative.
I have no complaints! It does exactly what I hoped it would do, is uncomplicated, and easy to use. -
"Reminds you to TAKE A BREAK. Get up and stretch, etc."
Version: Dejal Time Out 1.5.6
Pros
Been using it for years. Does what it advertises.
Easy to use interfaceCons
Would like it to provide daily reminders - maybe a link to iCal events?
App icon takes up space in DockSummary
I love this app. Been using it for years now.
First... I do wish there was some way of hiding the application icon instead of it sitting in my Dock taking up space. I have the program running all the time, and set to take a 15 second break every 20 minutes so it isn't like I'm going to forget the application is running.
Second... link it to my iCal so it reminds me of special events. Hey, it is your sister's birthday today... it's your anniversary, etc. etc. Yes, I am a forgetful geek, and having a little help to remind me of this stuff never hurts!
I can't complain since it is free though ... ^_^ Add the link to iCal and it would be worth charging a couple bucks for it.
I highly recommend this little application. Everyone should have it. -
"Liking it so far"
Version: Dejal Time Out 1.5.5
Pros
Easy to use
Cons
Bare minimum
Summary
Very pleasant and simple
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"Practical and works flawlessly."
Version: Dejal Time Out 1.5.4
Pros
Great rest reminder
Cons
Complex preferences
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"Pleasant, soothing software to prevent RSI and dry eyes"
Version: Dejal Time Out 1.5.4
Pros
Simple to set up
- Nice interface and design
- Variety of different settings
- Gradual transition from work to time out and vice versaCons
- This product will do the basics, do not expect many bells and whistles.
Summary
The most pleasant time out reminder software I have been using, whether in the Windows or the Mac universe.
I particularly appreciate the way there is a gently fade in and fade out of work into break and vice-versa. This allows the user to gently go in an out of the different modes.
Other than its use to prevent RSI and dry eyes, or to remind one to adopt a good posture, this software is also useful to reflect on one's current activity. For example, this software can be used to break potentially addicting Internet activities, such as participation in social networks.
This is also the only free alternative I know of for the Mac, and therefore certainly a very good default initial choice. -
"You deserve some Time Out!"
Version: Dejal Time Out 1.5.2
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
Dejalâ??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! Thatâ??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 Outâ??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 canâ??t beat that! -
"You deserve some Time Out!"
Version: Dejal Time Out 1.5.2
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
Dejalâ??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! Thatâ??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 Outâ??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 canâ??t beat that!
