As much as I hate to admit it, my Mac experience goes well into the last century. That means I’ve seen it all, and tried most of everything associated with a Mac OS, Classic or OS X. So, why am I stuck in the 20th century when it comes to the Mac’s app launcher?
I use the Dock in OS X, but sparingly, keeping it out of the way to avoid screen clutter. My main app launcher, document finder, file navigator is the venerable DragThing, a longtime favorite that graces each of my Macs.
Until I can get my hands on Spotlight in OS X Yosemite, there’s what I’ve got– the friendly DragThing. And what I want– the power in LaunchBar. Let me emphasize that. It’s POWER! LaunchBar is for Mac users who want to squeeze the most productivity and efficiency from their Macs.
Only Apple knows for sure, but it seems as if the new Spotlight in OS X Yosemite was inspired by all you can do in LaunchBar. Functionality is similar, though Apple throws in more eye candy for the sake of differentiation. Here’s an example of quick usability. Use the keyboard shortcuts to invoke Launchbar, enter a date and event and LaunchBar knows it goes into Calendar.
Whoa. But that’s just for starters.
LaunchBar lets you find files based up abbreviations, stores your Mac’s clipboard history, search the web, use the calculator, open files and apps, browse everything on your Mac from folders to contacts to bookmarks– all from the keyboard.
Doesn’t that sound a bit like what Apple is stuffing into Spotlight for OS X Yosemite?
All of this and a whole lot more is available from the keyboard and the drop down search field. Again, much like the new Spotlight. In fact, live web searches in LaunchBar use Google, Wikipedia, DuckDuckGo and other sources. Files can be found in an instant using basic filters (file size, modification and creation dates, Finder tags, file contents, and more).
The list of features extends into the hundreds, far more than Apple has announced for the new Spotlight, which is aimed at the average Mac user. LaunchBar’s features and functions are more extensive and appeal more to Mac power users. Fortunately, there’s a trial-before-you-buy option. But only give it a try if you think the new Spotlight in OS X Yosemite is cute.