Just out of curiosity i created this thread, and also to share some wealth for some people who maybe aren't aware of the different ways you could launch Apps. Since i found QuickSilver, i've come to rely on it, when its not running it feels like a part of Mac OS X is missing...

Anyhow, i am curious to see how everyone else gets to their apps? Do you -

Chuck all the Apps in the dock, and pick from them?
Throw the Apps folder in the dock and use the popup?
TigerLaunch?
QuickSilver?
LaunchBar?

If you feel compelled to answer, maybe suggest why you use the App or method you do, so the thread is useful to everyone.

I use QuickSilver, and it reminds me, to a degree of Spotlight in Tiger. OK so it's not really the same, but its really really nice to use. I can catalog my files (@ intervals) and then a quick Key command, bring up QuickSilver, and pop in some letters. The results can derive from a variety of apps and locations based on Plugins you install. For example, a Safari plugin allows you to no longer have to remember how you stored your bookmarks, you just hit ya Key Combo and pop in 'Neo' in which time it's grabbed all my bookmarks for this. It makes Bookmark management, almost a thing of the past! it's worth noting it seems to learn on the way you work. For example when i first started using it, Photoshop wouldn't be the top result via 'PS'. After navigating a few search results down, it improved its search rating with 'PS' and now its the top entry! It's got loads of potential. Personally i like the Address Book integration, Sherlock, iTunes... Worth a look mos definitely.

Quicksilver - http://quicksilver.blacktree.com/
Plugins - http://quicksilver.blacktree.com/plugins.php

i've attached a Screenshot. Quicksilver, and the list of search results. Excuse the picture of me wearing my G/F's Sunglasses! (This is data from Address Book! )

One of the best parts to it, is its there when i need it, but when i don't you wouldn't even know it was running. Really non obtrusive!

Oh, and just incase anyone is interested, there's a couple of different 'interfaces' for QS. This one popups up over your menu bar, and is nice and minimal...

A Tiger inspired 'skin' ...

Neat app! Just downloaded it and am giving it a try. I think you're right, it looks like it has a lot of potential.

I launch applications three different ways.
1. From Dock (Frequently used applications, like Firefox, iTunes, Mail, VLC and Terminal).
2. From LaunchBar (Most other applications).
3. From a Finder window.

Thanks for the QuickSilver info/link, sure gonna give it a test!

I launch most stuff from the dock and I have the applications folder in there too incase i need to grab something random. I also have the office folder in the dock...i didnt feel like having 5 different links (one for each of the office programs I use) so the folder works out well.

I might have to try quicksilver out though, looks cool

looks great! im downloading it right now

been using quicksilver for ages

I use the dock for the mostly used applications (Camino, Mail, Adium, etc.) because they are almost always running, so they will be in my dock anyway.

For the rest I use QuickSilver, but it is so much more than a launcher, I also switch my iTunes music with it, I start Transmit with a bookmark, I open a new Camino windows with a bookmark. I love this program so much. QuickSilver is one of those things that just make the whole computing experience much more enjoyable.

1. Dock (Usually everything is always open already)
2. Quicksilver

If you don't use Quicksilver, you have no idea what you are missing out. I love it so much that I'd pay like $30 for it if it were not free. I launch everything with it, except Firefox, Mail, iCal which are already in my Dock. I don't like having too many apps in my Dock because I have very limited Dock space on my Powerbook 12". I used to used LaunchBar but switched to Quicksilver because 1) it's free 2) the icon doesn't have to be in the dock 3) it's a whole lot prettier.

I use the dock for my immediate applications its rare i use a program thats not in my dock but when I do a quick run to the finder I'm happy with my dock + Finder way of doing things.

*Cough* Beats having a start bar with like a million diff names of applications in it *Cough*

Launchbar or Dragthing here

had my mac a week now and have used launchbar, f10 launch studio and quick silver, quicksilver is by far the best!

How about the quickstart bar with AppRocket? No different than a dock/quicksilver combo

The what Chad? Doesn't mean alot to me, post a pic or something of what you're talking about!

have no idea what that stuff is. so I'm just going to say SURE!

I have my 14 most used apps in the Dock. For everything else, I installed an app (forget the name) that puts 'Applications' in the Apple menu. Hover over it, and the list of everything in the 'applications' folder drops down. Very easy to use, no need for an extra dock icon or to open the finder.

From a finder window

Sorry for going off-topic but that phone looks SWEET! Can I buy one of those and use it with Verizon Wireless or is it only for select providers like Cingular?

a) dock, basically it

hahaha, The phone Steve/Neyo has can be bought simcard-free and unlocked so it will work on any network in UK (where he lives) it can be snapped up for a big round sum of £500 (its not cheap). I'm sure you can pick it up online though, I know they sell it cheap at www.gsmphonesource.com

Sorry for going off topic!.

I just downloaded Quicksilver and upon trying to mount the .dmg I get an error saying there are no mountable filesystems...

I use the dock mostly since it has all my apps I use daily. I also have a folder in the dock and I use the pop up from there. I might give Quicksilver a try.

I usually launch mine..by double clicking...whats next...how do you turn on your computer....big toe or index finger

I actually never thought of putting a folder in the dock! I'll have to try that and see how it works.

Right now I use the Dock for really common apps and Quicksilver for most everything else. I would easily pay $30-$40 for Quicksilver.

i use the dock to keep applications that are always open...
finder, ichat, safari, mail, ical, and itunes

and for everything else, i use tigerlaunch... i've tried other programs before, but i just didn't like them. personal preference thing, ya know?

Dock + Applications Folder Icon

I tried QuickSilver (Steve knows ) but I didn't like it. Steve knows why and I don't wanna get into it again.

Plus, steve, send me that pic of you in the screenshot. I need to replace the one I have of you.

LOL, Yes you whine like a little bitch!

patseguin You mean my P900?! What made you notice that? It made me check back through the thread to check where i might have shown a pic of it or something!
I really can't help you with regards to what US Carriers have it, because as 'WinMacLan' suggested, i'm in the UK. However i do know people in the US have the phone, so it must be avaliable someplace. It has recently been superseded by a slightly modified model, named P910. The main difference is the P910 will take Memory Stick Duo Pro, so External capacity is up from 128Mb to 1Gb. *Sigh* The other main difference is the flip. When the flip's open, it reveals a small, but full keyboard. Personally, only the higher capacity Flash media appeals to me, the other features aren't worthy of an upgrade, so i'd suggest maybe looking for a 'cheaper' P900 rather than a new 'P910'. That's if you were quite interested! It's worth noting, i've read people on Esato and HowardForums have managed to flash the software in the P900 to run P910 Software. This gives you support for 1Gb Memory Stick Duo Pro! It's a really cool phone mate, if you're into that kinda thing... Alot of people would much prefer a simpler K700i i guess! If you wanna know anymore, feel free to PM me bud.

Ok, finally got Quicksilver to install.

Holy crap, this is a great lil app. That is all...

Lol i just use ctrl + alt + M = msn messenger
ctrl + alt + Y = YAHOO MESSENGER
ctrl + alt + O =OPERA
ctrl + alt + F = FIREFOX

I use YzDock it being as i dont have a mac

QuickSilver here, it is an amazing app and should get even better when tiger comes out.

LaunchBar for life. The QuickSilver AI wouldn't learn from my abbreviations when I have tried to use it, and the interface is just too clunky, even in the minimalist menu-bar form. QS just smacks of eye candy for the sake of eye candy to me, with the fading in and the fading out.. it's all just a waste of time, I want to use it to launch apps, not watch GL effects. LaunchBar gives me that, instantly, and elegantly, without being imposing.

Different strokes I guess

wrong thread

me too...i use yz dock.

This is the Mac OS forum!

Quicksilver, thanks to you now =P

Haha, i thought QuickSilver might be popular for those unaware. Cool

launchbar - can't figure out how to get Quicksilver to index my music.

and the dock - like most mac users, a million and one things are opened at one time.

and finder.

can't wait for spotlight

i have the 3 most used programs in my dock (terminal, safari, and adium).

other than that, i have the applications folder in my dock and i just right click it to get a "start menu" and i have my home directory in the dock to get there.

@ Phillip

There is an iTunes plugin for QuickSilver

http://quicksilver.blacktree.com/plugins.php

tried that. but it seems to do albums and playlists - not the songs.

If you select a playlist or album, press the right arrow key. From there you can use the up and down arrows to scroll thought all the songs in it.

Sorry but I had to add this... being really literal...

How do you launch your Apps?

I double click them.

If they are in my dock I click them once. if they are in the finder I double click... I think everyone does it the same way unless there is some other way to launch stuff from the Finder.. I'm so angry that Space bar + Enter don't launch stuff from the Finder that is just lame and stupid and I'm always renaming stuff by accident because of this!!

Look em' up in thw finder, and bam.

I wonder if there's anyway to launch the app when 'Enter' is pressed... I mean, c'mon, how often are you gonna rename your files anyway?

Just thought I'd check in again.

Downloaded Quicksilver, thought it was god's gift to productivity. Then tried Launchbar and realized QS was god's gift to eye-candy.

Launchbar does all the things I want it to do, and responds much quicker than QS, because it doesn't need to display fancy shadows or graphics.

So now the only things in my dock are Finder, Trash and any running apps (sans for Launchbar, which I've edited so it doesn't show in the dock)

Funny many of you mention 'performance' issues with QS, personally i find it really snappy, i have no quarms - The Eye candy merely a bonus!