CHAOTICPIXEL  Wow, I finally found the perfect task timer for my workflow. Then I get hit with "Requirements: OS 10.6 Snow Leopard." Son of a b*^ch, I just can't win!  
(Version 1.0)

CHAOTICPIXEL  This is a great radio player/recorder program. I have decided to purchase it, and I have not looked back since.

Pros: Awesome interface, records songs with artwork, song name, artist and album (if broadcast by station). It will stop and start a new recording when the song changes, so there is no need to worry about stopping a song at the right time. Or, you can just let it run and it will do everything for you. You can also edit the song's start point and end point to remove commercials or unwanted audio very easily, then export it to iTunes.

Cons: The mini player does not play well with spaces. I would like to be able to use another service other than iTunes for the "Buy" (would rather have "Get More Info" functionality) functionality. I would like to be able to edit the genres within the directory (rename, delete).

Summery: This is a fantastic radio player/recorder with all the functionality you could want, and is worth the money. I enjoy every moment I use it.

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 1.3.2)

CHAOTICPIXEL  Thanks for the reply. I hope they do come out with a PPC version, but I kind of doubt it. Good luck with your application.  
(Version 0.1)

CHAOTICPIXEL  First, I know there are a lot of jerks on here that leave comments just to be smart asses, but my comment did not have that intention.

Second, your comment makes no sense to me. I really was curious as to why you have the PPC compatibility since I have a PPC Mac. It would be nice to be able to play with Google Chrome on my computer.

Could you be kind enough to explain?  
(Version 0.1)

CHAOTICPIXEL  Isn't Google Chrome Intel only? So, why the PPC/Intel compatibility for Chromatic? Just asking.  
(Version 0.1)

CHAOTICPIXEL  This app has worked like a gem for a while, but now it crashes every single time I try to convert a wma to anything else. I have the latest flip4mac, latest switch and the latest OS. It will convert other formats, just not wma. The only error on console is "exited abnormally: bus error". Anyone else having problems?  
(Version 1.52)

CHAOTICPIXEL  I would like to add some input from my extensive experience with Stuf, formally known as Shadow. My experience with Stuf has been pleasurable. They are constantly improving the application, they listen to feedback and implement suggestions VERY quickly. Here is an example (from my email correspondence):

On Sep 23, 2009 at 12:39 AM, I wrote:

I have been using Stuf for quite some time, and lately, I have noticed a REALLY long delay in pasting some things ...

On Sep 23, 2009, at 2:41 AM, The Escapers Team wrote:

Unfortunately, this is a known problem, we're aware of what causes it, but not how to fix it just yet. The problem revolves around AppleScript, which Stuf uses to tell an application to "paste", for some reason the AppleScript engine is taking a while to "warm up" in each application, so your first paste will be slow, but consequent pastes should be perfectly fast. ...

On Sep 23, 2009, at 8:18 PM, I wrote:

Okay, thank you for the prompt response. By the way, I do have a suggestion, or maybe I just missed something in the preferences. I would love a way to select the default pasting to be in plain text instead of formatted text. Being able to turn this off or on would be great. Thanks again.

On Sep 24, 2009, at 1:38 PM, The Escapers Team wrote:

Hmm, I'd probably like that too! Should be easy enough to implement, will see about doing that.

On Oct 19, 2009, at 6:20 AM, The Escapers Team wrote:

Just so you know, the option to default to pasting plain text is now implemented and will be in a release this week..

Now that is customer service .. AWESOME!

Pros: Stuf has a great interface, very Mac-like and progressive, simple non-intrusive menubar icon, keyboard shortcut option, options for default plain text pasting (my favorite option) and networked sharing capability for multiple clipboards (very functional). Of course, the great customer service. Stability is good for me as I have only had a couple of problems with Stuf during my appr. year of use.

Cons: Stuf is slow on first pasting, and it has been mentioned that it does not handle 200+ remembered items (but who needs 250 copied items remembered, to be honest, not me).  
(Version 1.51)

CHAOTICPIXEL  Wow, this application is great. It works as advertised and more. You can access any available Time Machine backup, not just the one that is associated with the computer you are on. You can manipulate the data in many different ways, restore in different locations. You can even tell it to rename your current files when you are restoring the backup so the backup files don't overwrite what you have.

Pros: Does what it says and more. You can avoid the "going back in time" thing all together. You can access and restore more than just the associated backup. Easy to use.

Cons: TOO EXPENSIVE! You don't use it enough to justify a $30 buy.

In my humble opinion:

$10 would be a awesome deal

$15 would be a fair price

$20 would be a little high, but reasonable.

I am giving it 4 stars because the price is too high. I will change it to 5 if the developer lowers it below $20. Other than that, great product.

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 1.4.2)

CHAOTICPIXEL  And the hammer I bought at Lowe's doesn't fix my leaky sink ... do not buy hammers at Lowe's.  
(Version 1.2.6)

CHAOTICPIXEL  My Ecoute 1.2.6 plays fine with my iTunes 9. Not saying this commenter is lying, but just pointing out that it might be a rare occurrence. I give this app 5 stars because of its value to a PPC user; it saves my resources for my work apps. Plus, I love the little miniplayer; Cleaningout by Tekikou is the perfect theme.

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 1.2.6)

CHAOTICPIXEL  Am I the only one that just gets load static when I upgrade? My 1.4.2 works flawlessly, but when I upgrade, no matter the station, I get load static.

LOVE THE APP BTW!! Yes, Snowtape is REALLY COOL, but this one is completely free and awesomely functional.

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 1.4.3)

CHAOTICPIXEL  Ha, yea, I know. I am a real meanie sometimes.

People need to be introduced to the benefits/cost analysis. You take the benefit of the software, a solid RSS reader, and give it a value from 1 to 10, put that over a value you give the cost of the software, again 1 to 10. You will then end up with a fraction, say 3/2 or 4/5. The bigger the numerator is relative to the denominator, you have a better buy. I would rate NNW version 2.0 an 8/0. The 3.0 version may not be as good yet, so we will lower the benefit to 6. That would make it 6/0. THAT IS STILL A GOOD "BUY"!

When the cost is zero, there is zero liability, zero risk. Why complain? This is business 101. By the way, thanks for the laugh HMURCHISON.  
(Version 3.2b6)

CHAOTICPIXEL  Wow, this is why you should never give something away for free. When you do, people completely take it for granted and complain like their owed something. It's free, get over it! If you don't like the new one, don't use it. This is the third version. If you paid for one 2 versions ago, then you paid for, and I will quote my friend from below, THAT VERSION!

NNW has done a great job with the last version. They are still the best RSS reader. Oh, and let me remind you all ...

THIS IS THE BETA VERSION. STOP FREAKING OUT! They will make sure their user base stays happy, just comment and critique without the personal attacks and one star ratings. Geez.

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 3.2b6)

CHAOTICPIXEL  $19! I have been using Cyberduck for years because most of the FTP apps worth a damn were all way above my pay grade, but when I noticed it for only $19, I had to take them up on it.

So far, I absolutely love the software. Its dual pane UI is a great Finder replacement if you like that option. It is similar to Pathfinder (Pathfinder is way too bloated and expensive) but has a solid FTP, WebDAV and SSH capability without being too resource intensive and bloated.

Forklift contains some of the most useful actions that should be built right into the Mac Finder. This one buy takes care of 3 to 4 separate apps, but again, it does not feel bloated or spread too thin. I love its batch rename function, really useful for keeping your files highly organized and searchable. Then you have the uninstall/app delete functionality that is really cool along with Sync and Sync Browsing. Although, I have not testing the syncing functions, I am excited to see the results.

You can also open and edit files that are on a web server without having to download them, edit them and then re-upload them. This is great for fast corrections or hunting down a bug real quickly.

After using it a little more, I will give a full review with ratings, but so far ... highly recommended.

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 1.7.3)

CHAOTICPIXEL  I have a hard time understanding how $7 is too much for an application that helps automate your workflow. All I need to do is open the app, type the "url" I want to use, click save and done. No restart, no digging, no coding, no google searching ... nothing.

This is like people complaining about really productive and well designed iPhone apps being $3, 5 or hell, $10. In my opinion, if an app is under $10, just skip lunch some day, and it will make up for the 3, 5 or 7 dollars you just spent on an app that makes you life just a little easier.

This app is highly recommended by me. I use this in conjunction with MAMP (the free version), and as someone that works with varying types of CMS's, this has been a life saver. I could buy MAMP Pro for $60 and get the same functionality. Or, I could use their free version, pay $7 for VirtualHostX, and save $53. Umm, not that hard of a decision.

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 2.0.2)

CHAOTICPIXEL  Wow, aren't you quite aggressive with a just dash of rudeness? Just right out of the gates with direct questions. Then you claim to "know" how my computer runs with iTunes. Don't you think you should apologize for such a lack of social tact.

I will gladly answer your questions and give all the details you desire after you reframe your comment and write with more respect. Good luck.

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 1.1.2)

CHAOTICPIXEL  As promised, I am back to fully review this great app. I have played around with it for a while, and it still impresses me. The developer is hard at work updating and debugging. It also seems as though he takes suggestions and errors seriously. I have, after a couple of days of trying it, confidently decided to buy the app. I have not regretted the purchase at all.

Purchasing the app was easy. I used PayPal and within seconds I got my license file and dragged it into the preferences section. The experience has been seamless.

Okay, now to talk details.

Pros: Main window has a small footprint, if you want smaller, the little "desktop" player works well. You can play movies, podcasts, music, playlists and, from what I read, it supports audio streaming, although I have not tested this yet. Everything plays and is accessed through the simple though fully functional main window.

It also plays well with Expose, very important for me, loads fast, hasn't crashed yet and only choked for a couple of seconds once. The design and functionality seems as though it was designed as if it was an iPhone app on steroids -- small footprint, simple yet fully functional interface with a one-window drill-down design that utilizes elegant sliding menus, cover artwork and player functionality. I believe this to be the first time I enjoy using a one-window type interface.

Cons: Not many. The player (rewind, play/pause, forward) sometimes does not reveal itself over the cover art. One needs to click on the song list menu then back to reveal the player.

The following will be just nit picking: There is a grammatical error under the Ecoute contextual menu -- Ecoute > Choose an other [should be another] iTunes Library. One could even go as far as suggesting a coverflow type display while playing music, but I don't even know if I would use it.

That's it in a nutshell. The price point is spot on, functionality is just enough for a stand alone player, any more would be unnecessary. I think this will be my first all 5 star review!

Oh, and since the whole point of this application is small CPU and memory usage, here are my stats after using it all day (videos and music):

Ecoute (after 8+ hours of usage)

CPU -- 3.4

Threads -- 11

Memory:

>Real -- 82.66

>Virtual -- 255.60

iTunes (after just launching the app and playing a song)

CPU -- 4.9

Threads -- 21

Memory:

>Real -- 88.40

>Virtual -- 302.29

Bottom line: Highly Recommended to all iTunes users. Period.

_ _ _ _

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 1.1.1)

CHAOTICPIXEL  This little jewel is working fine for me. I am almost positive I will purchase it in a couple of days. I will post back with a full review after a little more testing, but so far, this app is stable, easy to use and exactly what I have been looking for.

Oh, and the price is RIGHT!

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 1.0.7)

CHAOTICPIXEL  Worked as advertised. UI isn't anything special, then again, it doesn't need to be. Downloads quick and converts to a couple of different formats in a couple of minutes.

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 1.0)

CHAOTICPIXEL  Doesn't work on my G5 PPC PowerMac. Crashed all the time. When I could get it to load, it would not download anything, kept getting errors. Great in theory, poor in practice.

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 2.0.2)

CHAOTICPIXEL  I want to be very clear here. I have used SmartBackup for a long time, and I loved it. It works great and is reliable to use ... but with a HUGE caveat. DON'T USE IT WITH NETWORKED DRIVES! I have multiple back ups of many of my drives, and one was a "shared" drive between many computers in my home. I use the airport's usb port to "network it."

This drive failed last night, so I went to my backups relieved that I had SmartBackup religiously backing the drive up. Unfortunately, the folder was completely empty. NO BACKUPS. It had a very long log of how it was backing it up everyday, but somehow, it was not connecting to the drive. So, it thought there was nothing to backup.

I would give this software 4 stars if it were not for this realization of its massive Achilles heel. If it cannot give some kind of warning when it doesn't connect to the networked drive or finds no files or something ... then you are as good as dead when you find no backups when you really need them. I am having to find another solution, today. This is a sad day.

Again, this complaint is just about networked drives. If you have none, then I would recommend this software. All my other backups are in perfect shape.

[Cererbl]  
(Version 2.3)

CHAOTICPIXEL  Nothing like being left behind because I don't have the money to go out and buy a new computer every 3 years. Thanks Apple for making my bleak finances more obvious. I guess my dual 2, PPC G5 will slowly be faded out along with music tapes, common sense and hope for universal health care. Yippee!  
(Version Update 4)

CHAOTICPIXEL  Please tell me you are working on a PPC version.

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 0.85)

CHAOTICPIXEL  I have been a big fan of Timeous for quite some time. It's nice and simple interface makes it quick and easy to track your work. Up until now, I have been really happy. Unfortunately, after my dog accidentally turned off my computer, I lost two weeks worth of project tracking. I don't really understand why either. I tried to recover it with Time Machine, but it seems as though it never actually saved the data, just kept it in memory or something. I guess it doesn't actually save the info until you quite the program.

This could be just a glitch or I could be wrong, but if I am correct, and you do need to quit the program for the data to be saved, this is really dangerous for many people if they are not aware of such a situation.

For the money (FREE) I would give it a 4 out of 5 stars, but I am going to give it a 2 because of this major downside of saving the data.  
(Version 0.5)

CHAOTICPIXEL  An absolute must have, but realize that it is not a competitor of CSSedit or any other CSS writing app. This is meant for the polishing stage of web design. It helps with CSS rules, drilling down to what line of code is causing the problems and experimentation.

I do a lot of redesign, so I am not worried about writing CSS from the ground up. I usually have to modify someone else's work. And since all programmers don't code in the same fashion, it can take hours of work to figure out how some people layout the styles. Xyle scope gets right down to the lines of code that I need to modify to change HTML elements, easily, effectively and efficiently.

I use this app every damn day!  
(Version 1.2.3)

CHAOTICPIXEL  How could you not like this product?! The application is top notch, the service is great and best of all, the company takes care of its customers ... unheard of! I just had the pleasure of sending 3 of my friends free 1Password apps as a gift because of this company's Thanksgiving special.

I love the seamless integration with Safari, it allows you to save a form or UN/PW combination even after the submission. Oh, and they are working on the iPhone app, although it is quite unpolished as of yet, and hence, why it's FREE, I am sure it will be another great product from this company.

Get the app! You will not be displeased.

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 2.9.5b2)

CHAOTICPIXEL  WARNING: This application can lock up your system as soon as it is installed.

Some time ago, I installed glowworm on OS X 10.4, didn't like it and uninstalled it. At least that is what I thought. I finally figured out it was still running on my system causing some strange errors. I noticed that it was still causing thousands of lines of errors in the console app. I then decided to reinstall the app, so I could use the official uninstaller that comes with the installer, hopefully ridding my computer of every trace of glowworm.

After I read the other commenters warning of system crashes, I thought to myself, "I will just install it, but never run it, so I can get the uninstaller." Big mistake! This thing automatically runs without even starting the app, immediately crashing you system badly.

I had to do a hard shut down, and the boot in safe mode (took a VERY LONG TIME to boot up) to run the uninstaller. After I did so, it was fine. The developer is crazy to think this thing runs on 10.5. IT DOES NOT RUN ON LEOPARD AT ALL!  
(Version 1.5.3b4)

CHAOTICPIXEL  Even though I have barely used this app, I can tell there is a lot of potential. Unfortunately, I am not going to be interested in it until I can get my hands on the SDK that I hear so much about. As a web developer, I need to be able to modify some of these themes, so they fit seamlessly into my websites. I cannot do that when all I can choose is bg color. I need to be able to select custom bg's.

Here is where I am slightly let down. I have tried to contact the developer two times now (one through the website, and another direct email to sdk [at] aquafadas [dot] com) trying to get info about the SDK, but with no luck. This is my third time trying to get his attention. So, if you are out there, please let me know how to contact you, so I can get this ball rolling. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 1.2.6)

CHAOTICPIXEL  So far, I really like Time Tracker. But, I have to agree with the other commenter, this app does need the ability to write comments. Unfortunately, I can't switch over to it until it does. Please, keep up the good work.

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 1.2.5)

CHAOTICPIXEL  I have not had much time to play with the software, but I must say that the customer support is fast and nice. I had a problem with my activation key (actually it was my fault), but they reset it for me anyways, and replied within 24 hours. And, it was over a weekend!

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 4.2.0.41)

CHAOTICPIXEL  Okay, I have been using this for a couple of hours, and I must say, "WOW!" This is a really simple, yet highly functional, high quality app. The usability is great, stability is great, functionality is great (especially for a free app) and easy to use (although it would help to make it more clear that .pls is the only url it can handle).

And, addition to all of the above, the recording function is fantastic. The quality of the recording was phenomenal, and it was very easy to use.

The only con is the .pls only file handling. If the developer can get more file types accepted, I would give this 5 1/2 stars.

This is a must download!

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 1.4)

CHAOTICPIXEL  This may be a really stupid hint, but it did take me a while to figure it out. This app only, from my observation, can play .pls streams. Once I realized this, I searched for stations that I could find .pls urls and bam, it worked great.

Nice app so far. After some use I will write a full fledged comment.

[Cerebrl]  
(Version 1.4)

CHAOTICPIXEL  This software has revolutionized my entertainment system! I can't believe I haven't figured this out sooner. MediaLink works perfectly and as advertised. The intergration between PS3 and my OS X 10.4.11 is seamless, as it is with iTunes and my entire movie collection (.avi). The movies play in real time with no stutters or interruptions; music plays beautifully as well.

Here is a small tip. Either turn off your firewall or open up the TCP port 9386 and UDP 9385. When you go over to your PS3 just go to music or video and look for MediaLink folder in the "drop-down"; don't click on "search for media servers" as it should already be there.

Lastly, NullRiver is a great company. I accidentally make a purchase through PayPal using an eCheck, and it would have taken days to get my hands on the validation code to activate the app. So, in trusting that this was a good company, I actually repurchased the software using a CC, then sent them an email. Within hours they had already refunded me for one of those purchases. AMAZING!

Highly recommend this company and their product!

Con: no user's guide.   
(Version 1.57)

CHAOTICPIXEL  Well, I switched to 1.6.3, and now I can't get it to launch at all. It just keeps crashing. Anyone know why?  
(Version 1.6.3)

CHAOTICPIXEL  I have dealt with many programs for project management (right now I am using Contactizer), and while Things is not a full blown project management system, I find this to be absolutely perfect for my personal tasks, projects, reminders ... I use Contactizer for all those work projects that are highly dynamic and need all the bells and whistles. But, for what 99% of most people are looking for, Things is definitely where it is at.

Interface: Simple, intuitive, COMMON SENSE!

Design: Simple, intuitive, COMMON SENSE!

Usability: Simple, intuitive, COMMON SENSE!  
(Version 0.9.3.1)

CHAOTICPIXEL  First of all, I was very skeptical about this software (every other software I tried failed to "unprotect" songs correctly), but after trying the free demo, I was SOLD! The demo converted 30 Protected AAC files perfectly. It carried over my tags, all the comments, and my ratings!

And yes, you could do this the manual way if you are not willing to pay $25 (on sale at the moment), but who in their right mind wants to waste an entire day going through that process. I would rather pay the $25, go mountain biking, watch a movie or whatever I want to and come back to a perfectly converted library.

Pros: completely automatic, good audio format choices, free demo that works, simple to use (just READ the readme file before proceeding) and is perfectly legal (like anyone cares, right?).

Cons: ugly icon, uses quite a bit of CPU power and kind of slow (speed limited to CD writer and CD-RW used)

Suggestions: audio adjustment would be great (volume adjustment and/or EQ adjustments) when burned and imported, if possible. And, maybe a pause and resume button, if possible.

Thanks for a program that works!  
(Version 2.1.9)