Pace 4+

I was looking for a way to ensure I wasn’t spending too much time staring at the screen. Pace is nice for that. One major problem: it cuts you off.

If I am typing away at an email, Pace has no mercy. It’s infuriating to have your train of thought abruptly derailed like that. It should wait for a full second of no keyboard/mouse input before beginning the break. It’s unacceptable to cut one off — I end up turning Pace off or skipping/snoozing for most of the day because it happens at really inconvenient times and has no mercy.

I like this app and use it every day to avoid getting stuck in front of my computer. Other programs offer similar features, but this offering is simple and reasonably priced. I tried several similar apps and this is the best one for my needs. I like how it detects when I take a break voluntarily and rewards me when I come back from a long break. FIVE STARS for sure!

As with any app, there are always a few more features that would be nice. For example, I'd like to be able to customize the notifications. These essential warnings keep me from getting frustrated at the program for interrupting my work. I usually dislike notifications, in this case I need them and want more control. Ideally, I'd set a notification at 20 and 10 seconds before each break. Other fantasy features could include, working with multiple screens, longer fade-in before breaks and a customizable break screen photo. Personally, I'd use a picture from my last vacation to relax me and motivate me to stay healthy and focused during my break.

For anyone seeking a simple way to encourage regular breaks from the computer, this is the best product I could find!

I like Pace for the most part. I haven't yet upgraded because the timings are good enough for me to try it out. Sadly I have to stop using Pace because a giant white screen flashing up to force a break is too eye searing most of the time. I'll keep any eye on updates. Maybe if I could set the break screen colors I'd switch back to it (and I'd be willing for that to be in the IAP).

Pace also suffers from the same thing every other typing timer suffers from, interruptions. While writing code I know I need to take a typing break, but interrupting a thought process is the worst. At least one other timer I use pops up a "break is coming" notification so I can know to prepare for a break rather than just being blind-sided by it.

Update: I had disabled Pace. I told it not to start at login and made sure it wasn't in my login items. It still insists on starting. For now it's deleted. I will check back on it in a while to see what updates come along, but for now I just can't recommend it.