I rather the Recent Items menu, since we do not have the good old Apple Menu
You might like iKey/youpi key. I have my frequently used applications set to f keys. The same f key starts an application and switches to the application.
Youpi key is free. It works fairly well for me in MAC OS 10.4 although not officially supported. There is a commercial version you can buy, called iKey.
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/11485&vid=75326
Here is my script for listing my application folder. I have it assigned to function-key 6.
tell application "Finder"
activate
select window of desktop
make new Finder window to startup disk
select Finder window 1
set target of Finder window 1 to folder "Applications" of startup disk
select Finder window 1
set position of Finder window 1 to {60, 45}
end tell
This script was automatically generated in script editor record mode. After I recorded the script and did some minor editing, I copy the script to youpi key.
I have all of my frequently used applications set to function keys.
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"iKey is an automation utility, a program that creates shortcuts to accomplish repetitive tasks. In essence, an iKey shortcut is a little program in its own right, but you don't need to know the first thing about programming to create an iKey shortcut. All you have to do is put together three necessary parts of a shortcut: One or more commands that give the shortcut its functionality, a context in which it runs, and a launcher that defines how the shortcut is activated."
http://www.scriptsoftware.com/ikey/
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Mac OS X remap or rename keyboard keys
by vivek
So how do you remap or rename keyboard keys under Mac OS X?
Simply use DoubleCommand software. It is a free program
http://theos.in/apple/download-doublecommand-to-remap-keyboard-keys/
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Keyboard Maestro is a powerful macro program for Mac OS X (including Tiger and Leopard) which has received glowing reviews. Keyboard Maestro will take your Macintosh experience to a new level in “Ease of Use”. With Keyboard Maestro you can design a custom action sequence with your own shortcuts and use them at any time, you can navigate through running applications and open windows with Program Switcher, and you can work with an unlimited number of clipboards - all by pressing simple keystrokes.
http://www.keyboardmaestro.com/main/
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"Spark is a powerful, and easy Shortcuts manager. With Spark you can create Hot Keys to launch applications and documents, execute AppleScript, command iTunes, and more... You can also export and import your Hot Keys library, or save it in HTML format to print it. Spark is free, so use it without moderation"
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/22675
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A file launcher.
You can access applications and any other kind of document by browsing fully customizable system-wide spring-loaded menus, pressing hot keys, clicking hot corners, or entering abbreviations. Butler will learn from your habits and remember what you want a certain abbreviation to do (e.g., enter "abo" to launch "Address Book").
A bookmark manager.
Butler offers you a way to manage your bookmarks without depending on a certain browser. In contrary to a browser's bookmark collection, Butler's bookmarks are always accessible through its system-wide menus, hot keys, etc. And you'll certainly become addicted to accessing bookmarks by entering abbreviations. Butler also lets you access the bookmarks of every single browser there is for Mac OS X.
Adding files or URLs from your browser to Butler's configuration is stunningly easy: Just drag them to the active screen corner (default: top left), see Butler's main window open, and drop your items somewhere whithin your configuration.
A web search utility.
Butler's predecessor "Another Launcher" was the first application that let you search the web from the menu bar. But if your menu bar is too crowded for an input field, you can also use hot keys to pop up dedicated web search windows. Butler supports a large number of search engines by default, but you are not restricted to those ? you can easily add your own search engines.
A pasteboard extension.
Butler lets you access items you have previously stored in your pasteboard, effectively turning your pasteboard into a stack. You can also take a snapshot of your current pasteboard and keep it for good. This feature is particularly useful for text snippets you need to enter on a regular basis.
And so much more...
You can use Butler to move and copy files, control iTunes, access the system preferences, change the current user, and so on. But Butler really shines when it comes to customizing its behavior. Is your menu bar too crowded? Use Butler's docklet! Do you want a menu for each mounted volume? Do you want a menu to pop up when you press a certain hot key? Do you want all running applications in your menu bar? Or do you prefer doing things with your keyboard only? Whatever kind of interface you prefer, Butler is at your service.
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/20035
