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LaunchBar (bear with me...)
Authored by: sharumpe on Mar 25, '04 11:53:31AM

I know that every time someone posts a hint about how to launch things from the keyboard, someone pops in and says you should be using LaunchBar. Well, you should be, and here's why:

LaunchBar becomes part of your muscle-memory when using your Mac. Half of the time I use it as an application switcher, too, because by the time I've thought that I want to switch to mail, my fingers have already keyed it, without the visual input necessary to use the cmd-tab switcher. The same goes for apps that are not currently running.

Even if you don't have the greatest typing skills, as long as you're close (so that the app you want shows in the pick list) and consistent (repeated use of the same, or even similar, input will bring up the same application -- LaunchBar learns from your usage of it), you will get what you expect every time.

I'm one of the folks that typically likes to use the built-in software for everything, just because then I can use a friend's machine and know exactly what I'm doing. LaunchBar is an exception to my rule because it makes my life so much easier on my own machine (which is where I spend most of my time anyhow).

I don't work for ObjectiveDevelopment, but really, if you want to free yourself from having to use the mouse for every little thing, you should check out LaunchBar. This is really the best money I've ever spent on third-party software -- OK, maybe it ties with BBEdit... :)

Mr. Sharumpe



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LaunchBar (bear with me...)
Authored by: mike3k on Mar 25, '04 01:22:08PM

I second your recommendation. I had resisted LaunchBar for a long time, but as soon as I tried it I was addicted and paid for it the next day.

The great thing about LaunchBar is that it learns your shortcuts. When you type a shortcut, if it doesn't show the application you want, scroll down to it and the next time you use the same shortcut it will launch that application.



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LaunchBar (bear with me...)
Authored by: kupietz on Apr 23, '04 08:09:02PM

Beat me to the punch on this one! I third it.

I had always resisted "launchbar"-type keyboard launchers on aesthetic grounds, but I decided to try it after switching to X to help fill the void until the aliens disable the currently active TurlyBot and return the real Turly to Earth to write FinderPop X.

Anyway, I can't believe how quickly launchbar became essential to me... thumbs up for this utility.



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LaunchBar (bear with me...)
Authored by: aranor on Mar 25, '04 10:30:48PM
I've used LaunchBar for a long time, but recently I've switched to Quicksilver. I suggest you try it!

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