I finally bought TextExpander as part of an affiliate deal with AgileBits (check it out if you're also considering buying password software). While I'd previously been using Snippets from Conceited Software, I knew I needed something more heavy duty. TextExpander has handled everything I've thrown at it, with only minor hiccups. I had some stability issues (not always expanding) when using the trial version, but most have mysteriously disappeared since I purchased the app. Occasionally it will not start expanding again after typing in a secure text field, but the problem is very rare.

As far as actual snippets go, I have used TextExpander's myriad specials and fill-ins to great effect, and the hotkeys work well (if a bit slowly). The time saved has been well worth the investment.

LaunchBar is an app launcher much like QuickSilver, Alfred, or the Google Quick Search Box. You trigger it with a hotkey and then type an abbreviation that LaunchBar uses to find the file, action, service, application, folder, etc. you want to use. The predictive algorithm is good, and it enable you to accomplish quite a lot with a handful of keystrokes.

My only criticisms are that $35 feels quite steep to me (I bought it at a discount from MUPromo) and the predictive algorithm can be quite unpredictable at first. Still, once you get past the learning curve it becomes a snap. Features like Instant Send, clipboard history, and the plethora of actions that let you feed files to many applications make it worth investing time into.