A More Useful OSX Menu Bar

It looks like I have a lot going on in my OSX menu bar.  However busy it looks, I use just about every aspect on a daily basis.  My menu items save me time and give me details about my system I would not normally see.  I will attempt explain the uses of each item’s functionality and how I use it.

Camouflage - small application that masks your desktop with nothing but wallpaper.  I use this to hide any clutter on my desktop during screen captures or screen shots.  Read more…

PTHPastboard - a free, multiple pasteboard (a.k.a. clipboard) application.  It features hot keys, search and full preview.  Read more…

Skitch – one of my killer OSX apps.  I could not live without it!  Skitch is a screen shot utility that allows for inline editing.  Read more…

PTHiTunesNotifier - another free app from PTH Consulting that allows you to control iTunes from the menu bar.  It also announces the next track via a growl type pop-up.  Read more…

PTHVolume - volume control app that allows you to control and select multiple audio devices. I used to use SoundSource, but I like PTHVolume a little better.  Read more…

iStat Menus -  another app that I could not do without.  I previously used MenuMeters, which worked well.  iStat Menus is just a notch better.  iStat Menus has a nicer look and feel, shows more metrics including top memory and cpu processes.  I also like the calendar menu item better than the defult OSX one.  Read more…

TimeMachine - 1 of 2 backup utilities I use.  The other is SuperDuper.  I use both because I use FileVault.  FileVault and TimeMachine do not mesh well for ongoing backups.  It works, but there are some caveats I will talk about in a future post.

iSync - monitor my .mac (now MobileMe) sync process which gets hung up every now and again.

iChat - my IM client.  I love the audio, video and screen sharing capabilities.

Airport - change and see wi-fi networks, also allows for a quick way to turn off the radio to conserve battery life.

Battery Status - see how long before we are dead.

Spotlight - I use this as an application launcher instead of QuickSilver.  The Leopard version of spotlight works real well as a launcher, just a Command+Space away!