the random thoughts of a programmer

Spaces finally brings to Mac OS X what Linux has had for ages, multiple desktops. On the surface spaces seems too basic but in true Apple fashion spaces is actually much more than meets the eye. 

Spaces and Expose

Spaces does a great job of integrating Expose. When in full spaces view, where every space is tiled across your screen (F8 on my computer) you can press F9 to see not only all of your spaces but also all the windows spread out  on all of your spaces so you can quickly locate any window. Also in the spaces viewer you can not only drag-n-drop an entire space to re-organize them but you can also move apps between spaces.

Moving Apps

There are a variety of ways to move apps among spaces. In full view (F8) you can drag them around your spaces. Don’t want to go to full view? Just want to move to the space immediately to the Left/Right/Up/Down? Just grab that application and hold it against the edge of the screen for about 2 seconds and the next space will slide into view. Alternatively, just grab that app and use your buttons (on my computer Ctrl + Arrow Keys) to change spaces and your app will follow.

Persistent Applications

One feature I missed from Linux multiple desktops was the ability to have on application persist across all spaces. I like to have iChat and iTunes with me on every space. At first I thought this was a feature lacking in Leopard’s Spaces, but no indeed. This feature is actually just in a place where you wouldn’t expect to find it, the system preferences.

After opening the Spaces preference pane you can see that there is an “Application Assignments” area of the dialog; the purpose of Application Assignments is to ensure that an application always opens on a certain space. Hidden within the Space drop-down menu is an “Every Space” option that essentially sticks your app to every desktop. Perfect!

One caveat, when you view all spaces your persistent applications will only show up on the space you are currently on, which actually makes sense; why clutter up your spaces if you don’t have to. Also, if you change the space assignment for a currently-running application the change will be applied in real-time, no need to re-start the application. 

Conclusions

Spaces is just one of the many changes that Apple added to Leopard that has changed the way I work with my Mac. Once you get used to using Spaces you won’t be able to go back to working the old way, especially if you have anything less than a 17″ MacBook Pro.

Linux skeptics: I know that you’re sitting out there thinking that this isn’t anything $DISTRO hasn’t done for years. Give it a try if you dare, it definitely has the Apple touch and a few things that $DISTRO doesn’t.

Vista users: I’m just going to bite my tongue; I know you’re very proud of your 3-d window switcher and that’s just great. Don’t let me rain on your parade!