05 Feb 2005
Multiple desktops
Ever since I got hooked on the idea of virtual desktops with Linux, I've used some kind of virtual desktop manager on the Mac. I don't know how people do without them"
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I love this! Thank you! Just like Desktop Manager... but so much better, and simpler!by Nathan Ladd @ 06/02/2005 12:02 pm • Permalink
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Iolaire McFadden: You'll get addicted to them
ted_groony: I know, but it's not really the same thing. I might have 40 windows open spread over my 8 desktops. If I use Expose, I've got to hunt around in those 40 mini-windows to find the one I want. If I only did that occasionally, it wouldn't matter, but I'm frequently switching between, say 3 applications. If I'm writing notes on desktop 5, I can have a PDF version of a journal article open on desktop 8 and a Web of Knowledge search in my browser on 2. I have command keys set for all my desktops, so I can just bounce between them, knowing exactly what I'll find when I get there. No hunting required 
. YMMV, though.
Nathan Ladd: You're welcome. It is subtly but hugely better than DM, isn't it?
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Great catch! This is the first desktop manager for OS X I've been able to stand - and I was a heavy virtual desktop user on Linux. The fact that it switches desktops when an application becomes frontmost is absolutely key, and makes all the difference. BTW, I installed Tracks this weekend, and I simply love it! Not only is it making my GTD tracking easier and more fun, you've inspired me to dig into Ruby and Rails. So, I guess that's two, maybe three good ones I owe you!by Doug Miller @ 08/02/2005 3:03 am • Permalink
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When I set up Virtue with the sliding desktop effect, it immediately reminded me of my first Mac, which had a very similar effect when you switched between applications. The tiny little black and white screen slid sideways. It was cool then! Unfortunately Virtue doesn't yet work with Classic applications so I can't use it at the moment...by pete @ 08/02/2005 10:02 am • Permalink
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I've added this to my list of must-have OSX applications for when I get my Powerbook. Thanks for writing about it
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But you know that using Desktop Manager you can shift-click an inactive application to activate it and switch to the correct desktop?8
But alas, it is broken in Tiger.by bongoman @ 31/05/2005 11:06 am • Permalink
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It's not broken under Tiger anymore! tonyarnold.com You can always get the latest development build from my site - it's under very heavy development at the moment, but most of the features from the Panther version are now present and working under Tiger. -----by Tony Arnold @ 08/12/2005 2:12 am • Permalink
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Thanks for the recommendation. I've never used virtual desktops. But I gave your suggestion a try and it looks like it will be quite useful for keeping my coding area clear - yet still have irc, feeds and Safari available.----- "...on a relatively small laptop screen" Umm... Use the F9 key?by ted_groony @ 05/02/2005 10:03 pm • Permalink