From time to time, I run across some truly useful Macintosh utilities and applications that help me in my workflow. I’d like to share my latest discovery:

Hyperspaces

Spaces, Apple’s virtual desktop environment, isn’t complete without this $13 shareware application. Currently in Public Preview, Tony Arnold’s application allows you to customize each Space the way you want – via desktop pictures, colors, text labels, and even the name of each Space.

For instance, you can assign a separate desktop background for each space. You can also assign individual text labels, via custom fonts and colors. You can even adjust the position of the text label for each desktop. I prefer to have my text labels for each desktop on the upper left side.

When you switch between Spaces, the transition between each desktop is smooth. The unregistered version allows you to customize 2 Spaces – perfect for test driving this program. The registered version allows you to customize additional Spaces. After installing and using this app for two days, I registered my copy to support the developer’s efforts.

I evaluated my copy on a Macbook Pro and MacPro.

There are some niggles with this application, but given that it hasn’t officially hit 1.0, but the developer has been good about keeping users posted with updates.

In my usage of the app, I discovered that HyperSpaces doesn’t work with CocoaTech’s newest version of Path Finder. That’s because Path Finder draws its own Desktop on the screen. The workaround I’ve found is to uncheck “Hide Finder’s Desktop” within the Path Finder preferences.

Through SpaceSwitcher, an option within HyperSpaces, you can see a custom view of all your desktops by holding Option-` (backwards tick). See screenshot below:

As far as my wish list, here’s what I’d like to see in future versions:

1) multiple monitor support
2) pure Path Finder integration
3) application / window views within each SpaceSwitcher window, similar to the way virtual desktop apps of yore (CodeTek’s Virtual Desktop, etc.)

HyperSpaces has behaved well on my system. No crashes or slow-downs were caused by this application. I have confidence in the future of this app, as it was developed by the author of the late, lamented VirtueDesktops – one of the best virtual desktop apps on the market before Apple introduced Spaces.

I really found this application to be useful. I have separate Spaces assigned to Photoshop, Painter, Netnewswire and Web/Mail. I can now easily tell which desktop I’m on, and that makes me more productive. This is something I wish Apple had implemented from the get-go.

In short, if you’re looking for a better way to organize and manage your Spaces, check out HyperSpaces. HyperSpaces requires 10.5.4 and works on Intel and PPC Macs.

-Krishna

The time has come for me to seriously consider upgrading my 2006 Macbook Pro to the newest model. I’ve been reading Ars Technica’s review of the machine, and performance-wise, it looks like this new model will be significantly faster than the machine I’m using now. That said, I’m always interested in hearing from actual owners of said machine.

If you are using a late-2008 model Macbook Pro: What are your opinions of it? How long have you used it? How do you find the glossy screen in your day-to-day usage?

I work with my laptop in a controlled lighting environment 98% of the time, so I’m not concerned too much about the glossy display. (I would probably lean towards matte screen if there was a choice in the matter.)

What will happen to my current Macbook Pro when I purchase the new one? Aarti’s got dibs on it, of course. I plan on wiping the drive on that unit and reinstalling Leopard.

For the new MBP, I’m considering maxing out the RAM to 4GB and having a 250GB drive (7200 RPM) in place of the default 320GB (5400 RPM) drive.

Thanks for the feedback!

-Krishna

P.S. while I’m inquiring, I’m also interested in hearing opinions / reviews of the new iPod Touch. I’m torn between the 8GB and 16GB models. I plan on using the device primarily for the bundled PDA type apps (I already have a 2003 model iPod that carries my entire music collection.) I’m wondering if the additional 8GB would be important, given that you can add new apps to the device.

A few things came in the mail today…

I’ve opened the iPod Touch and played with it. What a marvelous gadget! I can see this forever changing my computing habits. The Corsair 16GB USB drive was a replacement unit swapped out by Newegg – the first unit I had was defective out of the box.

I still haven’t opened the MBP yet. Hoping to do that this afternoon. More to write soon.

-Krishna

I finally had a chance to set up my new Macbook Pro yesterday afternoon. I’m still installing apps, but my first impressions are positive. The screen is uniformly bright, the keyboard feels firm and solid. I’m very happy with my decision to purchase this unit instead of the new MBP (glossy screen) model.

I winded up paying $1000 less than what this machine cost when it came out. Below are some snaps from the obligatory unboxing.

-Krishna

My Speck case for my new Macbook Pro arrived this afternoon. The new case looks snazzy and does a great job protecting the outer surface of the laptop. I was able to get mine for half price as Speck Products is blowing out all their older cases with a 50% discount.

My older Macbook Pro is protected with a red version of the same Speck case:

-Krishna