The end of May is approaching, and we draw near to CutEdge’s first birthday. It’s been a wild ride, and I’ve learned many things – in fact, I’m still learning many things. Blogging has been one of the best things that ever happened to me, as it’s given me a chance to demonstrate my abilities and focus my time towards.

Speaking of focus, I’ve changed focus many times over one year (as well as themes). CutEdge initially started as a gizmo blog, but that was of no use – it didn’t work well for original material. I decided to start writing reviews of free software, and then recently, start parting advice to you all on the consumption of technology.

There have been a few things that have halted my development of CutEdge:

• The search of a good theme – I’ve decided to focus on other things though. This will be the temporary final revision (haha) until I have enough money to either purchase a premium theme or hire a designer.
• The review bug – I’ve been bitten by the review bug. I think I might’ve bitten off a bit more than I could chew, so I’ve been busy with many projects as of late (collaborating with other sites as well).
• The challenge of Fight Club – last weekend, I watched Fight Club – and felt challenged by its message about consumerism.

I will not necessarily change focus again, but perhaps change priorities a bit – instead of focusing on buying buying buying, I will focus on how to buy smart.

The things you own will end up owning you.

Tyler Durden – Fight Club

Initially, I was under the impression that Object Desktop 2008 was all about customizing your desktop visually. After all, Object Desktop 2008 does include software such was WindowBlinds, Objectdock, Objectbar, Logonstudio,IconPackager, DesktopX, and Deskscapes. Let’s be honest – these pieces of software would not assist much with the overall functionality of the computer, because they’re typically used to tweak the GUI. So, imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon Keyboard Launchpad!

What is it?

Keyboard Launchpad is exactly what it sounds like – it configures your keyboard so that hitting a few hotkeys will launch certain functions or programs. For example, I’ve configured my keyboard so that iTunes will skip a song when I hit windows+right arrow, or return to the previous song when I hit windows+left arrow. It’s actually extremely convenient, because my laptop’s multimedia buttons couldn’t be set up for use with iTunes (I have an iPod, so I’m forced to use iTunes).

Does it work?

Yes, it does! It’s actually been pretty flawless, and I can’t stress how important that is (what a relief to have a bug-less piece of software). It only takes around 1MB of RAM, which is nothing by today’s standards (strictly just for comparison, iTunes 7 without Coverflow uses around 38MB).

Keyboard Launchpad allows you to configure the Ctrl, Alt, Windows Key, or Ctrl+Alt+Shift at the same time with any letter – allowing for plenty of shortcuts to be available. It’s extremely simple to create hotkey-ed shortcuts. By default, there is only one shortcut, which is to activate the configuration window of Keyboard Launchpad. However, there are already shortcuts that skip, play/pause, and rewind songs in iTunes, Windows Media Player, and WinAmp – all you have to do is set up the hotkeys (i.e. Windows+right arrow).

There are plenty of functions for those shortcuts. The main one I use is linking – to websites (i.e. windows+c leads to http://cutedge.org) and other programs/functions (i.e. skipping songs). There are plenty of other options, including system options (i.e. shutdown/restart), Clipboard Snippet Pasting (i.e. paste different screenshots via different hotkeys), time-delaying, mouse-click simulation (i.e. ctrl+h simulates a left-click), and a bunch of controls for other media players.

One last thing Keyboard Launchpad does is add a tab to the Properties window that can be found in the right-click menu. It does make things a bit easier, but I found it quite easy to use to begin with. It’s foolproof!

Was it easy to use?

Definitely – although it might be a bit hard for you to remember all those shortcuts. If you do forget, you can just open up the configuration window and check your settings. The options in Keyboard Launchpad are easy to figure out, and shortcuts couldn’t be easier to create. No coding/scripting knowledge required.

How’s it Look?

It looks great! It’s extra-simple to use, its interface is intuitive, and it’s Vista-friendly. Also, its system tray icon looks great! However, I think a bit more graphical power could’ve been used – even just an image of a keyboard that has keys corresponding to the shortcuts highlighted would have been great. Maybe it’s something to look forward to in the next revision of this piece of software.

Any Real Competitors?

The only alternatives that I know of to Keyboard Launchpad is a piece of software called Setpoint that comes with Logitech keyboards/mice and Windows’ own built-in hotkey shortcuts.

I don’t think that Windows’ built-in hotkeyed capabilities match up to the dedicated Keyboard Launchpad by Stardock. There’s so much stuff that Keyboard Launchpad can do that Windows’ hotkeys can’t (i.e. skip songs in iTunes – sorry, I know I’ve brought that up too much).

As for Setpoint, it’s a lot more graphically friendly. The pictures of keyboards actually are quite…uh, although redundant, I actually like the graphical effort. I can’t quite accurately describe it, but I know I like them there. Unfortunately, purchasing a Setpoint-configurable Logitech keyboard might cost a bit more than purchasing Keyboard Launchpad, depending on the deal.

Conclusion

Stardock’s Keyboard Launchpad brings extreme convenience for keyboards that don’t have Setpoint software. I’ve got a laptop keyboard that doesn’t have any Setpoint-type configuration, so I enjoy the convenience. If you can purchase a Logitech keyboard and have the Setpoint software, Keyboard Launchpad might be overkill as they do practically the same thing (very similar, at the least). Unfortunately, it’s not free – it’s $9.95 as a stand-alone product. I figure that even though it’s convenient, I’ll save my $9.95 – which is 1/7 of the cost of Object Desktop 2008 Ultimate, which can be purchased for $69.95. That sounds like a much better deal. Trust me.

Oh yeah, don’t mind the weird button on my title bar next to the close button, it’s part of Ultramon, a software I set up with my dual monitors (double the productivity). I hope to purchase a newer second monitor very soon, but I can’t say whether or not it’s going to happen (I just want to purchase so much!).

On top of Object Desktop Launchpad, there’s a Theme Manager 2007 that is packaged with the Object Desktop 2008 suite.

Basically, all the themes, wallpaper, screensavers, desktop settings, bootskins, login screens, and everything else in Object Desktop 2008 are aggregated into this one piece of software. It’s a great central location to change themes – or the whole look of the computer.

I feel as though with Object Desktop Launchpad and Theme Manager 2007, Stardock has made Object Desktop 2008 that much more easier to use, but I figure that I’d probably rather be spared such conveniences and just leave it uninstalled – after all, the more free space, the better. It was already foolproof in the first place – why continue dumbing it down?

What good is a desktop suite without a unique platform that connects it all together? Sure, Microsoft Office is an exception – but it’s so well known that its products are referred to constantly in the business world and retail for huge prices. With Object Desktop 2008 Ultimate, I was hoping for something that would tie it all together. Did I get my wish with Object Desktop Launchpad?

Kind of. Its menus are not customizable, so it serves a different function in comparison to Keyboard Launchpad. I feel as though it’s the first place any new/first-time user should go to discover the categories that each piece of software lies in – practically every piece of major software that comes with Object Desktop 2008 is covered (the Launchpads and Impulse don’t count).

Object Desktop Launchpad actually only takes very few system resources. 0.6MB – but again, it’s just Launchpad. Does it look good? Not particularly – although its looks are very customizable though, having a dedicated preferences menu.

I’ve grown to think that Object Desktop Launchpad is a bit…redundant. I feel as though Impulse is already good enough as a Launchpad for Object Desktop software – however, if you’re a new user of Object Desktop, this would be pretty useful for you to comb over.

Screenshots:

The methods of receiving our software have been redefined in the last couple of years. From having to go out to the game store, progressing to just sitting patiently and having the games mailed to you, to finally having the game being downloaded for you within the hour. It’s amazing.

Yeah, yeah. Scoff at me for reviewing a content manager. My reasons for taking a look at this:

• It’s a huge integration of Stardock services.
• It’s the only alternative to Steam that I know of.
• It’s the first release of Stardock Impulse, which is the descendant of Stardock Central.

I’ve never used Stardock Central before, but I’ve used Steam as of late. For what it’s worth, the two are very similar in function, but very different in form.

Stardock Impulse combines different services, such as downloading/purchasing games, with community services such as chat and forums. It’s got an internal browser, which navigates around http://impulsedriven.net, which is how the forums and blogs are reached. Also, it’s a great aggregating list of everything that you’ve purchased, as well as a store/catalog for all games and software available through Impulse.

For the most part, Stardock Impulse runs fine. The download speeds are up to par, the installation is automatic, and everything can be ran and activated through Impulse. There are a few too many updates and restarts for my taste, and the loading time can be worked on – but asides from that, everything is smooth. It takes up 37mb of memory – kind of on the bloated side, especially for a content manager. By comparison, Steam uses 31mb of RAM, so I guess an extra 6mb isn’t too unreasonable (right?).

Content managers update – a lot. Impulse updates quite a bit, as does Steam I noticed. This does get a bit annoying at times, but I realize that it’s a whole part of the process – in fact, it should be seen as a positive thing. The purchased software updates very frequently as well, so there are fewer bugs and vulnerabilities. Don’t take it for granted!

The GUI really bugged me – it’s got twisted Vista-y/Web 2.0 glassy look, making it feel ever so bloated. I realize that the intention was to make it more integrated into Vista, while trying to retain its uniqueness, but I’m afraid Stardock didn’t exactly pull it off that well. It’s got no skins that we can change into, unlike Steam, which has four colour schemes (some of which look actually much better than the default olive-goose-poop scheme).

On the other hand, like steam, Impulse combines content with the community – there are a set of forums and even IM capabilities integrated into Impulse’s browser. It’s a very interesting setup. Not to mention you can set up your own blog (like I did on WordPress!).

I’m glad that Impulse doesn’t have those annoying promotional popups that Steam does, even though I’ll admit that they seem to be quite effective (the Steam popups had me considering purchasing some games).

However, I’m surprised that the support wasn’t more integrated into Impulse – sure, there are support forums, but I’d prefer if there was a live chat of some sort in Impulse.

Overall, it’s nothing special – nothing too different from the already-popular Steam. It’s great they’re up to par on each other, but for Impulse to take the cake, they’re going to have to explore directions where Steam hasn’t diversified in yet (such as the whole Support idea).

06/01/2008 UPDATE: Oops! As Brad Wardell has kindly stated, the version of Impulse that I am using is currently in beta. Sorry about that folks, I assumed that as the version number was past 1, it was ready for public release. My mistake! We’ll be taking a closer look at the June 17, 2008 revision.

Around a couple of years ago, I bought the book Hacking Windows XP by Steve Sinchak from my local Chapters. Although I discovered later on that I could’ve found all that information assorted over the web, it was the harnessing point for my interest in customization. I gradually grew into a customization freak (and back into a normal guy). I’d change my wallpaper on a weekly (daily?) basis, and be testing out the latest Vista and OS X visual styles I found on Deviant Art. That period of time was around the time I first heard of WinCustomize and WindowBlinds. I had tried out a trial version on my older HP computer, but it ended up slowing my system down a bit.

I did end up going for an OS X look, without WindowBlinds (free trial ended and I don’t pay for customization – patched uxtheme.dll ). However, I ended up using ObjectBar and ObjectDock for furthering the Mac emulation – yep, they were both free. When I made the transition to Windows Vista, I was stuck – no more variety in customization, because customizing in Windows Vista was still in pioneer stages. However, there was golden solution – Windowblinds. I was disappointed.

The Current Scenario

The battlefield is different now – plagued with a lack of reliable alternatives, users will have to choose either a life of non-customization, a life with unreliable customization, or Object Desktop’s more reliable solutions. Is it worth it? Would forking over $49.95 for the normal edition or $69.95 for the ultimate edition be worth it?

Don’t worry people – I’m here. We’re going to be taking a comprehensive look at the series of applications in Object Desktop Ultimate. Twenty-one applications. Five weeks (maybe not in a row). Strap on your seatbelt, because you’re going to be in for a wild ride.

So far, my outline looks a little like this:

Week 1:

• Impulse
• ObjectDesktop Launchpad
• Keyboard Launchpad
• Theme Manager

Week 2:

• Tab Launchpad
• RightClick
• TweakVista

Week 3:

• ObjectDock
• ObjectBar
• IconX
• IconPackager
• SoundPackager
• LogonStudio Vista

Week 4:

• MyColors
• IconDeveloper
• Stardock Virtual Desktops
• SkinStudio 6 Professional

Week 5:

• WindowFX
• DesktopX
• DeskScapes
• WindowBlinds

Week 6:

• Final Verdict, Summary, Conclusion

Nothing’s written in stone yet, but so far I think it looks pretty good. Besides, saving up the big four for the final week builds anticipation, right? Stay tuned for the first set of reviews, coming your way soon!

I realize it seems a bit silly to be reviewing everything, but I’ve thought about it – and it wouldn’t do justice to the suite or you, my dear reader, if I didn’t take a good look at everything. I hope you enjoy, and it’s been a long time in the making (hehe).

Cover image by: exfordy

Yep, I hopped onto the Twitter bandwagon. There were many reasons I didn’t do this earlier – I didn’t know what the heck it was, I didn’t feel up to trying something new, I’m already a part of a ton of other social networks, etc. But, I felt as though Twitter was something definitely unavoidable, so I joined Saturday morning.

Image by: dpade1337

What is Twitter?

The idea’s simple – you get 140 characters to update your status on what you’re doing. We’re not talking about your job or your biography, but just your task at hand (i.e. boiling an egg, hunting deer, etc). You can choose to follow other people to have their 140 characters show up on your feed every time they update it. You will also end up having fellow Twitterers following you.

…but why?

1. It’s a great way to network.

I’ve started following my regulars – Darren Rowse of Problogger, Cali Lewis of Geekbrief.tv, et al. I’ve also started reciprocating followers following me. I realize that my 8-2 following-follower ratio isn’t that hot for now, but I’m still just getting warmed up to Twitter. Hopefully, I meet more people and find more people to flock to CutEdge and my other blog, Digital Media Break.

2. It’s a great way to share.

Sharing content, news, and thoughts/dialog, links, and ideas are just part of the norm at Twitter. When I feel idea-drained, I can figure I can simply log on to Twitter and get the juices flowing. The exchange of such sharing really helps.

3. It’s a great way to meet readers!

Believe it or not, this is the third reason I got Twitter. I love meeting people, and I’d definitely be interested in meeting my readers! And you can pretty much bet that I’ll be following you, just as you follow me (it’s common courtesy, but also because you are my beloved readers).

Find me at http://twitter.com/HerbertLui and follow already! If you’re not signed up with Twitter yet, what are you waiting for? Hop on board right now!

Image by: dpade1337

Well, I’ve finally been able to get to modifying The Morning After by Arun Kale.  Huge respect to Arun Kale for creating such a great theme and conceiving such excellent instructions for modifying – it was a breeze to learn, even for a code newb like me.  Lots more colour.

Everyone, look forward to a much more magazine-y CutEdge and more original content. 

I myself look forward to getting out of coding mode and back into what I love most – writing.  Hopefully, I don’t run out of ideas too soon (just kidding folks).

Ironic how in the beginning of spring, I will begin hibernating.  I feel as though the CutEdge theme has really gotten too rotten for me (the oranges and greens really don’t match).  After finally viewing a great other magazine theme (that looks more magazine-y) and having installed WordPress locally, and having re-done over a theme before, I feel as though I’m ready to overhaul CutEdge.

I know I’ve been scarcely on.  PLEASE, bear with me for just another week.

Of course, I’ll still be pumping out new material.  Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday (this one’s my replacement post for the one I didn’t write yesterday – sorry, funeral).

Have a good one.