Object Desktop: Why did you buy it?
Wednesday, July 17, 2002 by Frogboy | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
I was talking to people on IRC and found that they had bought Object Desktop for reasons totally unrelated to why I personally use Object Desktop. This made me wonder what parts of Object Desktop people really like.
I don't mean "I like WindowBlinds.." I mean, what specifically about Object Desktop (or WindowBlinds or any program on this site) do you find compelling enough to pay for?
Thanks in advance.
I don't mean "I like WindowBlinds.." I mean, what specifically about Object Desktop (or WindowBlinds or any program on this site) do you find compelling enough to pay for?
Thanks in advance.
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Chef Garry
Reply #2 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 3:05 PM
Reply #2 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 3:05 PM
Like most of us, I started with WB and subscribed to OD for all the other neat stuff like IconPackager, WindowsFX, WebBlinds etc. The eyecandy stuff. A standard box looks weird without it now.
The most important part is OB. I created a vertical bar that has all the stuff I use regularly where I want to see it.
The most important part is OB. I created a vertical bar that has all the stuff I use regularly where I want to see it.
MarkMcQ
Reply #3 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 3:24 PM
Reply #3 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 3:24 PM
Although I haven't paid for ODNT, I have two years of subscription, one from Brad for a favour I did, and another from the Gui Olympics prize, when those two years are up, I can certainly say I WILL be renewing my subscription.
The variety of apps included within it, are of such good quality and functionality, that it justifies the price. Before I started using OD, I would have bought it merely from a skinners point of view - Some great apps, that I could customize with my own style.
After becoming an OD subscriber though, my viewpoint has changed to that of a skinner AND an enduser.
And besides, Windows looks shit when it's naked......
The variety of apps included within it, are of such good quality and functionality, that it justifies the price. Before I started using OD, I would have bought it merely from a skinners point of view - Some great apps, that I could customize with my own style.
After becoming an OD subscriber though, my viewpoint has changed to that of a skinner AND an enduser.
And besides, Windows looks shit when it's naked......
Chris
Reply #4 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 3:31 PM
Reply #4 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 3:31 PM
Well, I'm predominately interested in: WindowBlinds, ObjectBar, DesktopX, IconPackager, WinStyles and in that order. While Object Desktop has other applications, those seem to one extent or another to be the "anchor" apps for Object Desktop.
I first came across OD when, after messing around with Linux and the various KDE themes, I poked around the net to see if something similar existed for Windows (beyond just color schemes). I bought WindowBlinds first since it seemed a pretty good deal. After that you held out the OD carrot in the form of IconPackager and DesktopX
At that point I said, what the heck, might as well go hog wild, though I was a bit leery at first until I became more familiar with Stardock.
I was initially intrigued by the other apps included in OD, but once I purchased it, I found that I didn't need all the other apps that initially seemed interesting. At this stage of the game, I look at what I use from OD as primarily eye candy. I'll occasionally play with DesktopX. I use ObjectBar alot more, but not as much as I use WinStep. Sorry but the menuing in Objectbar to be not as flexible for my own purposes. I pretty much use it to get the XP task bar and start menu, but I find this to be not a must-have. That said, I've been using ObjectBar alot more than I have in the past.
While I could easily get by with WB, I look at an OD subscription as sort of having a stake in Stardock. Just because I don't use all the apps, or only occasionally, doesn't mean I don't enjoy playing with them. And eventually I may use them more and more as more features are added, or I find new ways to use them that weren't initially obvious to me.
I first came across OD when, after messing around with Linux and the various KDE themes, I poked around the net to see if something similar existed for Windows (beyond just color schemes). I bought WindowBlinds first since it seemed a pretty good deal. After that you held out the OD carrot in the form of IconPackager and DesktopX
At that point I said, what the heck, might as well go hog wild, though I was a bit leery at first until I became more familiar with Stardock.I was initially intrigued by the other apps included in OD, but once I purchased it, I found that I didn't need all the other apps that initially seemed interesting. At this stage of the game, I look at what I use from OD as primarily eye candy. I'll occasionally play with DesktopX. I use ObjectBar alot more, but not as much as I use WinStep. Sorry but the menuing in Objectbar to be not as flexible for my own purposes. I pretty much use it to get the XP task bar and start menu, but I find this to be not a must-have. That said, I've been using ObjectBar alot more than I have in the past.
While I could easily get by with WB, I look at an OD subscription as sort of having a stake in Stardock. Just because I don't use all the apps, or only occasionally, doesn't mean I don't enjoy playing with them. And eventually I may use them more and more as more features are added, or I find new ways to use them that weren't initially obvious to me.
Ogre66
Reply #6 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 4:18 PM
Reply #6 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 4:18 PM
The server is irc.stardock.com, the main channel is #stardock
Chris
Reply #7 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 4:22 PM
Reply #7 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 4:22 PM
Thx Faramir, I've recently become an IRC geek and like to inflict my thoughts on people in real-time.
BTW, sorry about your brother.
BTW, sorry about your brother.
1Renegade
Reply #8 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 5:22 PM
Reply #8 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 5:22 PM
While on the subject............of IRC. When is the new browser coming out? I uninstalled my mIRC................
werewolf
Reply #10 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 5:29 PM
Reply #10 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 5:29 PM
1Renegade...Soonish Working out some of the bugs.
Working out some of the bugs.
pjpowell
Reply #11 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 5:44 PM
Reply #11 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 5:44 PM
Well. I bought Windowblinds first which led me to the Windowblinds newsgroup. There I heard about WindowFX and Object Desktop. I really wanted WindowFX so much that I bought Object Desktop very soon after. Then I bought Windows 2000 so I could make the most of it. Soon after that the first whisperings about DesktopX started. I soon was hooked. I also find folks at stardock to be friendly helpful people with a real interest in resolving problems which crop up and consider a lot of the people who hang out on their IRC channel to be friends.
I also like to beta test stuff. Working on a help desk I like to be the complaining customer for a change.
I also like to beta test stuff. Working on a help desk I like to be the complaining customer for a change.
Chris
Reply #12 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 5:47 PM
Reply #12 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 5:47 PM
One of things that always draws me to a product is an approachable company and the community that is built around their products.
joetheblow
Reply #13 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 6:05 PM
Reply #13 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 6:05 PM
Well I actually did not want to buy Object Desktop. I started with WindowBlinds thinking that I really don't need the rest (and what would I use it for). I had Windowblinds for a month and decided to upgrade to the OD subscription.
--------
I bought it because I loved the way WindowBlinds made my desktop look and feel. It was no longer static; now it is dynamic. So what was the harm in getting the whole package, plus I get updates for a year.
Now I want to renew my subscription because it is productive and useful as a way to work better and not so much harder on a enviorment that I created and is friendly to my needs and wants.
(You can quote me on that)
PMG
--------
I bought it because I loved the way WindowBlinds made my desktop look and feel. It was no longer static; now it is dynamic. So what was the harm in getting the whole package, plus I get updates for a year.
Now I want to renew my subscription because it is productive and useful as a way to work better and not so much harder on a enviorment that I created and is friendly to my needs and wants.
(You can quote me on that)
PMG
Woodbridge
Reply #14 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 7:10 PM
Reply #14 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 7:10 PM
Saw WindowsFX thought it was cool, download the shareware, and then I started seeing people posting screenshot with Windowsblinds. I was like Wow then I saw all the cool things that came with OD...and I just got some credit cards... 
.
~25 ish days untill my first year runs out. Time to blow the cobwebs off my wallet.
then I saw all the cool things that came with OD...and I just got some credit cards... 
.~25 ish days untill my first year runs out. Time to blow the cobwebs off my wallet.
jarget
Reply #15 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 9:28 PM
Reply #15 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 9:28 PM
1) WinFX 2.0
2) And got tired of not being able to try out the new betas.
2) And got tired of not being able to try out the new betas.
gillon
Reply #16 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 9:49 PM
Reply #16 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 9:49 PM
I initially subscribed for Windowblinds. I love checking each day for updates...its like Xmas over and over again.
kith
Reply #17 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 10:12 PM
Reply #17 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 10:12 PM
I saw an article in PCMag or something similar a few years back. It had a write up on desktop customization. If I remember correctly there was screenshot of the Threadz theme by Dangeruss. I was blown away. I had to be able to do that! There was a link to Stardock and I registered for OD right off without even trying it out first! Of course everyone is fimiliar with Windowblinds etc., but the little treasures are phenomenal as well, Drivescan, Tab LaunchPad, Control Center, who can live without those things now...
Where else can you get so much software for so little cost. Object Desktop and Zonealarm are the same price!
Where else can you get so much software for so little cost. Object Desktop and Zonealarm are the same price!
GreenReaper
Reply #18 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 11:17 PM
Reply #18 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 11:17 PM
I like WindowBlinds!
*g*
Well, I can't really comment on the "compelling enough to pay" bit, but for me it's the control WB (and OD) gives over my environment. I live on my computer, and I think it's fair to say a lot of those here (though not all) do so to. I want to live somewhere comfortable. Stardock products let me do that.
*g*
Well, I can't really comment on the "compelling enough to pay" bit, but for me it's the control WB (and OD) gives over my environment. I live on my computer, and I think it's fair to say a lot of those here (though not all) do so to. I want to live somewhere comfortable. Stardock products let me do that.
MichaelO
Reply #19 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 11:47 PM
Reply #19 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 11:47 PM
I started with an article on WB and the free version as a curiousity. From there I found NextStart which seemed to be the menuing answer I was looking for, Decided to purchase both. But if I was going to pay for WB the OD package was a much better buy and included all the goodies (even though I was unsure of how and when to use them). I now strive for an integrated look and feel with IP, OB, WB and good ole NS (DesktopX is my next challenge). I have become like many others here. A plain windows pc is just hard to use as well as hard to look at all day.
My only regret is that I lack the talents of the artists in the community so I am not really a contributor other than the odd comment or assist.
One thing I can say is that the alternative desktop items I have purchased over the last 7 months have been dollars well spent for hours of enjoyment, attempted creativity and access to the community.
MichaelO
My only regret is that I lack the talents of the artists in the community so I am not really a contributor other than the odd comment or assist.
One thing I can say is that the alternative desktop items I have purchased over the last 7 months have been dollars well spent for hours of enjoyment, attempted creativity and access to the community.
MichaelO
BoXXi
Reply #20 Thursday, July 18, 2002 1:24 AM
Reply #20 Thursday, July 18, 2002 1:24 AM
I was a Litestep user and themer, and stumbled across DesktopX. I soon realised I could escape from the nightmare of the .steprc! I purchased it soon after. DX gives me an awful lot of pleasure, although I am no expert. I am striving to achieve the perfect desktop, one that I won't want to change, ever!
BoXXi goes to change his theme.......again
BoXXi goes to change his theme.......again
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Reply #1 Wednesday, July 17, 2002 2:58 PM
I got all this stuff at first just to make my desktop look better, but then I figured out how to actually use the various progs to help me organize my workflow. Now, that is the primary reason I use the relevant OD apps. Organization, increase in productivity. I'd pay for that.