Our Expert Andy Sapora isn’t afraid to tinker with technology or with mechanical devices, and he likes to play with new software in order to learn how to use it. Here are some interesting facts about Andy.
1. Where are you from originally?
Westminster, MD (an hour outside of both Baltimore and Washington, DC).
2. How long have you lived in New York City?
Since 2004.
3. How did you get so much Mac experience?
Incessant tinkering over the years. I can’t resist the urge to find out how things work. I’m also the kind of person who’s willing to spend 10 hours configuring something so it will save me 10 seconds every time I use it.
4. What’s your favorite technical solution you’ve ever figured out?
I was working as the sound guy on an independent film in rural New Mexico. A local businessman had donated a camper vehicle, which I was in charge of fixing when it regularly broke down. One day, the camper couldn’t get home from the location because it was running so poorly. To solve it, I ended up manually turning the distributor cap on the engine, which was below the driver’s seat, as I drove. If I did it just right, I could give the engine the amount of power it needed to get us home. It didn’t run perfectly, but it got the job done. My favorite part of this solution was that the only way I knew how much to rotate the distributor cap was by listening to the engine. If it was running rough, I turned clockwise. If it was losing power, I turned it counter-clockwise. Like tuning a musical instrument.
5. Outside of IvanExpert work, what are three Mac-related activities that really matter in your life?
Musical arrangement. I spend a lot of time on the Mac version of Sibelius.
Video editing. I am learning Final Cut Pro.
This sounds dorky, but I’m really excited about having recently set up my iPhone as a hotspot (portable wifi router). I just like knowing that I can now connect to the internet wherever I am.
6. What’s your favorite thing about NYC?
I’m here because it’s the best city for what I do in my other career. (I’m a performer).
7. What’s your favorite iPhone app?
Use the most:
1. Maps/Primospot/Waze (driving and parking)
2. phone/email/cal/contacts/maps (yes, I consider these all one app. I rarely use them without overlapping.)
Like the most:
1. Cleartune
2. Visual Metronome
3. The Amazing Slow Downer