I was using the LaunchBar 5 beta by Objective Development for Mac for several months and I enjoyed being able to trigger it via the Apple Command Key-Space Bar and it would drop-down from the top of my screen.  I then would type some letters and an app (or bookmark, iTunes song, project file, etc.) would come up and I'd hit Enter and launch the app.  It was handy and made my life so much easier!

Month in and month out, Objective Development would put out a new LaunchBar 5 beta build and I'd continue to use it.  But recently they put out the official release and I had 30 days to try it out.  But what annoyed me was every two launches, it would tell me that I needed to continue on, register, or purchase it.  It got annoying.  Plus the cost is 24 Euros for a single license, 39 Euros for a family license of up to 5 computers (good deal). 

I hate to say it, but that's pretty steep for the app, even if it does function as a calculator as well.  Enter Quicksilver by Softonic; whenever I'd hunt around for news, reviews or thoughts on LaunchBar, someone would talk about Quicksilver.  So the other day, I officially downloaded and installed the FREE Quicksilver app.  I made the app launch upon log-in and I can trigger it the same way as LaunchBar (Command-Space Bar), even though it's not a small drop-down menu to type in (it's a bigger box), it's still just as great as LaunchBar at launching my apps, etc. 

I've decided to stick with Quicksilver for pretty much the only reason that I like having a free app.  I will say that if LaunchBar cost less I'd buy it, but it's a little pricey.  Agree or disagree with me?  Let me know!  Either way, both apps have made my life, and those of many other Mac users, too.

Posted at 06:47AM May 17, 2009 by Heath McKnight in Enhance  |  Comments[5]