SIMICHAVEL  Upgraded from 10.4.11 to 10.5.5 and FM doesn't work anymore (FM 3.7.1 with APE 2.5b2).  
(Version 3.7.1)

SIMICHAVEL  True, but this library does not tell you where the conflict is outside iKey. If iKey could tell you that - that would be really helpful.

Making it a habit to search through programs to delete keyboard shortcuts in order to control them all through iKey is a good idea. You have to admit though, either you need a massive bloc of time, or you have to do it in small doses.  
(Version 2.3.1)

SIMICHAVEL  It's great to see iKey back in action. But more and more keyboard shortcuts have been built into Apple's OS and apps. iKey gives notice when shortcuts are doing double-duty. What would be helpful would be for iKey to identify where the Apple shortcut is located. Not only would it be convenient, but I do not think Apple maintains a master list (even in the keyboard preference pane).

Less significant, the icon is due for a major overhaul.

MBP/OS 10.5.5  
(Version 2.3)

SIMICHAVEL  For years I have loved this app. Visually, it is stunning. Conceptually, it aids information organization well.

Version 3 adds new capabilities but IMHO has taken a baby step or two backwards too. Mainly, one cannot custom format cell on an individual basis anymore, regarding cell controls and numbering systems. It's all per page. Please bring that back. Perhaps the Inspector could be modular, i.e., the user can customize what appears or it least in what order things appear. The ruler is a great idea but not as space-economical and not as visually helpful as it could be. Also, tabs (1) could be horizontal rather than vertical to allow for more per notebook, and (2) tab width (room for letters) should be customizable.  
(Version 3.0v335)

SIMICHAVEL  Love the widget! But stopped updating, and doesn't respond to button clicks. Frozen in time!

MBP Intel dual

OS 10.4.11  
(Version 1.1)

SIMICHAVEL  How do you cancel this command in Terminal?  
(Version 0.6.1)

SIMICHAVEL  Doesn't work for me either.  
(Version 3.0)

SIMICHAVEL  Echoing previous sentiments: this app elegantly adds productivity. It's just so simple and convenient.

Two suggestions:

1. Voice notes

2. Wiki note management (as in the wonderful Voodoopad)

Note: As a background app, it can only be quit through Acitivity Monitor. This means it should take little CPU and be stable as a rock.   
(Version 1.7.2)

SIMICHAVEL  Thanks for mentioning sidenote: it's excellent!  
(Version 3.7)

SIMICHAVEL  The one hand would be okay were it to reflect the time in your chosen zone, but it seems to be stuck on Cupertino, even when the sunrise and sunset data is set and gives the info for your own time zone.  
(Version 1.2.3)

SIMICHAVEL  I had used iBackup for many years and generally had been pleased with its development. But I have never been able to find incremental backing up. Without this, backing up has always taken too long. If the fnuctionality is there, please note where.  
(Version 6.0)

SIMICHAVEL  Goodness. Sorry about that. Thanks for the heads up.  
(Version 4.4)

SIMICHAVEL  The ability to Import dates from AddressBook would be a big timesaver.  
(Version 4.4)

SIMICHAVEL  6. The templates are helpful. How about adding combination templates, like Cornel sections/panes with To Do in one, Outlining in another, and Writing in the third.  
(Version 2.1v256)

SIMICHAVEL  Ridiculous response. Just back the whole thing up then. The developer has given you the control to save time or space and select exactly what is essential to you to backup at any given time, then to restore it.  
(Version 5.2.6)

SIMICHAVEL  Ditto that maclover. My QS frequently ceases responding to the keystroke activator and lies dormant. Only quitting and relaunching gets it going again. Hoping this problem gets resolved.

MBP/OSX.4.10  
(Version 1.0b51)

SIMICHAVEL  A helpful addition would be the option to send note as an email. Or did I miss that somewhere?  
(Version 3.2)

SIMICHAVEL  Excellent modifications. Incoporating the preferences into the Wallsaver window is so much more efficient and clear. Adding the link to the ScreenSaver PrefPane makes tons of sense. Opening Wallsaver automatically starts the screen saver, but I actually like this as a feature. Since you don't really need Wallsaver to keep running once the screensaver has been activated, I would say (again), let Wallsaver run in the background immediately upon activation, then have a menubar item to access controls and options.  
(Version 1.3.1)

SIMICHAVEL  Having thought about it more - because I do like the utility - I would suggest making it a pref pane (with the menubar option).  
(Version 1.2)

SIMICHAVEL  SaverLab certainly does more things, but I've noticed that when screensavers are activated as wallpaper, they don't run smoothly, but rather have "bumps" or "hiccups" along the way. Wallsaver doesn't have this problem at all.  
(Version 1.2)

SIMICHAVEL  Now, opening Wallsaver does nothing. Clicking Activate gets a message that it is already running. Clicking Stop gets a message that it is already not running. Clicking Repair gets it going.

Suggestions: 1. Provide preference to have screensaver activated permanently. 2. Add link to Desktop/Screensaver Preferences. 3. Window interface unnecessary. Make it a menu item with activate now, activate permanently, stop, select screensaver.  
(Version 1.2)

SIMICHAVEL  Some ideas:

1. Better right-to-left support.

2. Tabs go horizontally, not just vertically, so that I can put in more of them and see them better.

3. If there is going to be a contents card, then it should have scrollability.

4. Changing page formatting of any and all kinds should be a bit simpler, whether for a particular page or all pages.

5. Perhaps it should be possible to select which pages you want to change, say, 1, 17, 102-105.  
(Version 2.1v256)

SIMICHAVEL  1. A long time ago I asked for better right to left support.

2. I would like to see the tabs go horizontally, not just vertically, so that I can put in more and see them better.

3. If there is going to be a contents card, then it should have scrollability.

4. Changing page formatting of any and all kinds should be a bit simpler, whether for a particular page or all pages.

5. Perhaps it should be possible to select which pages you want to change, say, 1, 17, 102-105.  
(Version 2.1v256)

SIMICHAVEL  It's good to have this back. Thanks for making Intel Mac version.

Note: proper right justify requires selecting Options > Verses On One Line.  
(Version 1.3b3)

SIMICHAVEL  Two words: Voodoopad Lite.  
(Version 1.2.5)

SIMICHAVEL  This is wonderful piece of software. Nice to look at, nice to use. Support is good. But development is s-l-o-w: incremental changes months and months apart.  
(Version 2.1v255)

SIMICHAVEL  This software / menubar item does not offer a way to quit or be removed. Instant grounds for dismissal.  
(Version 1.5b2)

SIMICHAVEL  These icon sets are absolutely beautiful. I have had no trouble opening them. What about the ivy league universities - will they appear too?  
(Version 1.5)

SIMICHAVEL  Further testing has whittled down the problem as follows: when Mail.app has no new messages to report, Mail Unread Menu gives me "1." Otherwise, MUM is accurate and, as intended, simultaneous.  
(Version 2.1)

SIMICHAVEL  Current version doesn't update number of unread mails instantly with changes in Mail.app. Even dropping down menu and selecting the marked mail does not force MUM to update its count. Previous was more reliable about this.

Also, this and previous version occasionally force Mail.app instantly to reopen after you've closed it.

2 GHz Intel Core Duo/OS 10.4.8  
(Version 2.1)

SIMICHAVEL  IMHO, the tear-off idea is great.

It could probably use an option not to float above apps.

Without tasks in day view etc., it seems like an inefficient use of desktop space.

The multiple format options for the menu date and clock is a nice touch. So is the seconds hand on the analog clock. But menubar analog clocks have proven extremely difficult to make easy on the eyes; they's just too small. Likewise - and this is more easily adjusted - the date+day/mo. icon is too jam-packed.

I realize the name of the company is Charcoal Design, but this item really needs the option for more colorful themes.

The way the little "i" comes up when the cursor goes over the calendar is really elegant. And the fact that it does that for the tear-off sheets too is a great perk.  
(Version 1.0.1)

SIMICHAVEL  Wonderful idea! Two necessary additions: user-controlled magnification options and toggle on/off with keyboard shortcut.  
(Version 1.0)

SIMICHAVEL  Just discovered great feature: say you're running several different chats in different languages, i.e., using different keyboard layouts/inputs, Fire remembers them per window! Fantastic! Kudos!  
(Version 1.5.6)

SIMICHAVEL  Very nice piece of software, but requires you to fill in all fields when setting up a new to do, and overall seems to force you to do things a certain way.

Some recommendations: In creating links, drag and drop is nice, but for some links selecting through a dialogue box would be better. Within categories, I may like to set up folders. Also, you can only view one category at a time, but I may like to see all at once. Finally, a drop down menubar item would be a nice adition.  
(Version 1.7)

SIMICHAVEL  I recommend comparing with the simple and elegant Namely and the powerful Quicksilver, both activated by keystroke shortcuts and both likewise freeware.  
(Version 2.4.3)

SIMICHAVEL  Doesn't compare to WeatherDock.  
(Version 1.1)

SIMICHAVEL  I have never been successful at receiving or transferring files through Fire. Any CW about this out there?

OS 10.4.8 / MBP  
(Version 1.5.6)

SIMICHAVEL  Ah, how true, but other status items seem not to force themselves into, say, the far right position. They can be manipulated by controlling the order in which they load at startup. N'est pas?  
(Version 1.7)

SIMICHAVEL  If youre still using Apple's Dock instead of Butler, Drag Thing and the like (or Quicksilver, Namely, and Witch-type things) this utility represents a good idea. It's simple enough to use, but the implementation is a bit?unusual: actual objects (is that right?) you drag into the Dock. This means you can't drag the same divider into two different slots in the Dock. One divider per Dock-slot. Also, the dividers take up a larger amount of room than one might expect. A good companion to this idea, more critical even perhaps, I would think, would be a way to name or otherwise mark files and folders dragged into the Dock.

MBP / 10.4.7  
(Version 1.0)

SIMICHAVEL  New version runs very smoothly, and seems much quicker to me. Drop down menu icons are a nice visual touch, but could be smaller. Previous app menu icon choice (a chip?) has been replace; can you bring it back? More importantly, app menu icon forces itself into one specific position on the menubar. Any chance that can be made more flexible?

MBP / 10.4.7  
(Version 1.7)

SIMICHAVEL  Download overload? Site seems down.  
(Version 1.7)

SIMICHAVEL  Once upon a time, when switching windows with Witch, I could highlight a window and click w or q, and thereby close the window oe even quit the program. This seems no longer to be possible. Any insights here? Tips? Plans for the future?

MacBook Pro / OS 10.4.7  
(Version 1.0.2)

SIMICHAVEL  IMO, still the best check-list utility around: easy on the eyes (great UI), easy on the fingers (keyboard shortcut enabled), easy on the brain (self-explanatory).

Requests: (1) automatic "check for updates" option; more importantly, (2a) due date column; (2b) ability to arrange by due date with one click.

What'll it take ($$) to get a corresponding menubar icon? If you give us a concrete target maybe we can work to meet it.  
(Version 3.6)

SIMICHAVEL  Further comments (sorry for the string): Maybe I am overlooking something, but I miss some of the Aple features, which give you more data and control. (1) The CoconutWiFi menu does not indicate signal strength, (2) it seems to mark some (but not all) protected networks as open if you have a username and password allowing you to join, (3) when you encounter a a protected network it does not offer you the option to join, (4) when you encounter an open network it automatically connects you whereas, for instance, Apple asks first whether you want to join an unknown network. Personally I like the control.  
(Version 1.3)

SIMICHAVEL  Macintouch reports echo each other that with the 10.4.8 update coconutWiFi causes connectivity problems.  
(Version 1.3)

SIMICHAVEL  Nice little app. As it says, more useful than the usual. OTOH, unless I missed some preference, it does not have menubar functionality. A little drop down menu with all the same info would make it even better. I've been using SlimBatteryMonitor for a long time and would change right away.  
(Version 2.5.1)

SIMICHAVEL  To clarify: the author meant that you can save the battery capacity *data* with just one click. The point of this is to be able to track over time how weak your battery is getting.  
(Version 2.5.1)

SIMICHAVEL  Nice little app. A few recommendations: (1) On the drop list, add a check or some other indication as to the network the user is actually connected to. (2) The red-yellow-green scheme is nice, but yellow can be misleading since it suggests the user is not quite connected, even though s/he may be. This is conditioned in particular by Apple's use of the yellow for "joining/logging on." The alternate menu icon series currently availble is not as aesthetic as the traffic light buttons. (3) Add a customizable series of links to some of the relevant apps and whatnots in the system, e.g., System Preferences > Network; Safari & Mail; and any other internet related apps.  
(Version 1.3)

SIMICHAVEL  If you like organizing your desktop so that everything is neatly within reach, but not always front and center, this little app is fantastic. It is as simple as can be to use, unobtrusive, stable as a rock, and pleasing and customizable visually.

If you don't work that way, the app may be redundant.

The $19 tag is measureable only against comparable apps. As far as I know, there is nothing like it out there. For the same money you may be able to get some other piece of more complex software, but it won't make your iCal data instantly available to you at all times without cluttering your desktop.

A development I would like to see is to make the program not just an accessibility app, but an interactive one. For instance, I'd like to be able to input information right into its windows. "Check-Off" is a good example. It resides in the menubar, and opens up as a menubar dropdown interactive to do list.  
(Version 2.6.1)

SIMICHAVEL  A menubar item with a drop down list of users, instead of having an open window, would be a nice (and basic, IMO) addition.  
(Version 1.5.6)

SIMICHAVEL  MarvinDL, if you could provide some detail it would be helpful. I've been using NoteBook for quite a while and have not found it to be unstable. The "kiddie" look, well, I suppose you are right, but it is customizable, and you can make it look much more academic or professional.  
(Version 2.1 (v245))

SIMICHAVEL  I have been using iKey for years, from well before the daunting new UI. I have found it consistently to be bug-free and stable. Once you get your mind around the UI, the actual process for setting up shortcuts is not complicated. To the contrary, I have found it quite intuitive.

I use Quicksilver as much as iKey, and it is somewhat misleading to compare them. Quicksilver is primarily an app launcher and only minimally customizable. It indexes everything on your computer and gives you access to it, like Spotlight, but better (IMO). iKey is a shortcut program. It doesn't index your computer. You can set up shortcuts to launch applications, but you can create shortcuts for so much more. Actions that normally take several steps can all be set up to run automatically with one key-stroke shortcut. You can program delays between the different steps to give them time to execute. iKey's reach is amazing in this regard. Moreover, the latest release(s) now allow you to use more than one alphabetic key, which extends the number of shortcuts exponentially. I hate to sound like a promo, but what you can do in iKey is almost unlimited.

Butler is more like Quicksilver, an access/launcher program for indexed items. I have tried it several times and have found it less simple and elegant and intiutive than Quicksilver, but unless I am selling Quicksilver short, Butler gives you much more reach and customization. On the other hand, Quicksilver works with a key-stroke combination whereas Butler must be visible and open somewhere on your desktop, and I am a nut for the former.

Let me point out as well that Quicksilver tends to run slowly, at least in my experience. For a simple, clean app launcher, which is as near as instantaneous as one could get, try Namely. And for AddressBook info, try TapDex. This triples the number of apps and keyboard shortcuts you would use to access data, but it cuts down run time significantly.  
(Version 2.2.1)

SIMICHAVEL  Ditto that.   
(Version 3.0)

SIMICHAVEL  Extremely well-made utility. Completely customizable, intuitive, and beautiful on the desktop.

One star off Value for replying only the inaccurate Weather Channel. How about adding the ability to access more accurate (local?) weather providers?  
(Version 2.4.1)

SIMICHAVEL  I have years' worth of leftovers from apps tried and denied, long since deleted. I would like to avoid redownloading and reinstalling in order to redelete.  
(Version 1.3.1)

SIMICHAVEL  AppZapper requires you to drag and drop the .app, then it goes and finds all related files. But what are you going to do to find all those files related to apps you deleted before you got AppZapper? Were you able to d&d, say, a preference file or some other file related to the app, and AppZapper could still reconstruct all the related pieces and zap them - now THAT would be helpful.  
(Version 1.3.1)

SIMICHAVEL  Apple-tab clickers: you know, once you've apple-clicked, you can then use the mouse rather than tabbing repeatedly. Also, a highlighted app can be quit by pressing q, or hidden by pressing h. And if you are looking for something comparable to control all open windows, not just apps, try the free utility Witch.  
(Version 2.4)

SIMICHAVEL  FANTASTIC! Beautiful, easy, customizable. Fills a gaping hole in Apple's application switcher.  
(Version 1.0.2)

SIMICHAVEL  Before buying it, compare FruitMenu. It's cheaper, reliable, versatile and customizable.  
(Version 2.1.5)

SIMICHAVEL  I have been suffering from the post-processing problem for LONG time. It is extremely frustrating. I cannot tell you how pleased I am to see SD addressing it. I am downloading 3.016 now and can't wait to see the results. I know we all pay for the utility, but: thank you for caring.

iBook G3 / OS 10.3.9  
(Version 3.0.16)

SIMICHAVEL  Ditto that. I have 5-10 non-Apple menubar items, and only iClock's can be moved.  
(Version 2.1.1)

SIMICHAVEL  In an amazing world of endless freeware utilities, $19 for any utility seems steep. Not much more can get you a full shareware application. That being said, if you are obssessive as I am about using your menubar (or keystroke combinations) for easy access to various data and actions, you will simply love this little utility. It not only gives you menubar access to all your iCal calendars, it also provides a really nice degree of customization regarding which information to show or hide. And hidden info is always only a keystroke away. The utility is self-explanatory, no manual necessary, and two months of use have turned up no stability issues or conflicts. Regarding features, well, the price tag suggests that you should be able to manipulate data from within the program and not have to open iCal. I give half a star penalty for that.  
(Version 2.1.1)

SIMICHAVEL  I agree with you that the developer should get back to you immediately on this issue, as it should on any other. And failing to describe a feature accurately is certainly something to be rectified. Bearing that in mind, you should also take into consideration that you can use the utility on a trial basis for an unlimited amount of time.

- Simi Chavel

iBook G3 / OS 10.3.9  
(Version 2.1.1)

SIMICHAVEL  Still having backup problems. It seems that the trouble begins with v. 4.0.9, since with every update since I have had trouble and consistently return to 4.0.8, which always runs perfectly.

iBook G3 / OS 10.3.9  
(Version 4.1.3)

SIMICHAVEL  It was nice to see 4.1.1 come out so quickly after problems with 4.1 were reported. But now I am having trouble with this release as well. (1) Backing takes an extremely long time. (2) It completely ties up the computer, making it almost impossible even to force quit iBackup itself. (3) It doesn't manage memory well. Namely, although the preferences are set to replace the old backed up material with new, it doesn't find enough memory to do so. Which just does not work out mathematically, in my case. It'll have to be back to 4.0.8 yet again for me.

iBook G3/OSX 10.3.9  
(Version 4.1.1)

SIMI CHAVEL  It is simply not to be believed how much this little app can do; how intuitively it is designed, in terms of both use and appearance; and how it does not cost a dime. What an absolute gem!  
(Version 4.0b24)