Namely is possibly the fastest way to open applications. And unlike some other launchers, it doesn't require any learning.
You simply activate it using your preferred keyboard shortcut, start typing part of an application's name and see a list of matches as you type. Most of the time, one or two letters are enough. In fact, Namely learns your habits and makes your most-used apps even quicker to access over time. It's basically Spotlight for applications, only much faster, and highly addictive.
YOXI Still my favourite launcher, especially once you discover the unique 2-3 letters for each app, very effortless to use.
One refinement I'd like, though, is that when I use it to launch hidden/menubar apps, it doesn't fade itself afterwards. If there were some way to fix that, it'd be great (even though all that's needed is 2x Esc to clear it at the moment). (Version 2.5.1)
DIGGERTOO Ultra quick launcher. Preferences can be set to hit one key to bring it up, and one key to select a program, then RETURN to start that program. I've set Namely to come up when I hit the grave key (same key as the Tilde symbol). As an example, I start up Pages by hitting the "grave key", tapping "p", then RETURN. (Version 2.5.1)
RSNYDER6 I love the light footprint and speed. This is particularity useful for less powerful machines.
I used Dock Doder ( http://foggynoggin.com/dockdodger ) to hide the dock icon (it removed it from the command-tab switching menu (whatever that is called) also. (Version 2.5.1)
DRDUL A quick tip in case the dock icon is bothering anyone else... It can be easily removed with Dock Dodger. This is with OS X 10.5.7. (Version 2.5.1)
+1
Dec 6 2008
ELDRITCH This little app is pure simplicity and works like a dream. No clutter, no fuss and no go slow, like some application launchers out there. Intuitive, and easy, the whole process becomes second nature very quickly. (Version 2.5.1)
NOTEFARM This is the program that I have on all of my machines the program I use all day everyday. It works and it wirks very well. It is wonderful ti know that there are folks woriting programs with a real purpouse. I love the fact that it does one thing and it dose it very well with no extra bells and whist les. A very well thought out Application. (Version 2.5.1)