My new monitor has an abundance of screen space that was begging to be used. When apps are maximised they are just too big, there is ample space to have widgets down the side.
I contemplated the widget options:
- Google Desktop Search
- Yahoo Widgets/Konfabulator
- Stardock ObjectBar or DesktopX
I decided it was time to give Google Desktop Search another try. In addition to search it gives me a desktop bar down the right of the screen showing pending email, family photo's etc. It has a number of features that I hadn't tried out before:
- press ctrl button twice for a quick search dialog. Bang in the first three letters or so of a program name and you can launch an obscure program in seconds whichout resorting to the mouse and start menu.
- the widgets include a scratchpad and a todo list. It is possible to store the notes and todo's on google's servers such that they appear at every pc you use. Ok this relies on trusting google so better not put your evil plans in the todo list. UPDATE: it takes a minute or two for notes to appear after booting up.
- Google Calendar widget integrated with google's online calendar.
- they have prettied up the widgets with transparent backgrounds etc. You can drag them off the desk and put them where you like.
I was previously happy with Microsoft's MSN Desktop Search apart from it persistantly failing to stop when I shut down the computer. I'll give google another try but I don't rule out vacillating back.
Peter's Moblog
