Object Desktop 2008 Ultimate

2008 May 12

by Herbert

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:

Week 2:

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