Application Review: Spark

What is Spark?

Spark is a freeware application for Mac OS X 10.3+ which allows you to assign keyboard shortcuts to many different areas of the Mac.


Where can I get it at?

You can get it from the developer's website here for $0.


What did you do with it?

After downloading Spark, I opened the Disk Image and dragged the application to the applications folder. Once there, I opened it up and started exploring. First, I added a shortcut to check for new mail via applescript. Because I have my function keys set for application use, rather than system use, I applied F4 to check for new mail. It worked pretty well. Thinking of other uses, I then added such functionality as:

Ejecting a CD with F12 rather than Fn-F12.
Next/Prev Track in iTunes
Play/Pause iTunes
Open iTunes
Open BasicText 1.1 for editing in applescript.
Use an automator workflow to open the contents of the currently selected folder.
Open an applescript to open a URL in FireFox
And I set up a lot more shortcuts to open important applications. (Mail, Safari, etc...)

After doing all this set-up, I was ready to use the app. After a few mess-ups (such as accidently opening everything in some unknown folder) I streamlined my set-up to best work for me.


What do you think of it then?

Well, I've only been using Spark for a short time. However, it has really impressed me. I have always been under the opinion that I would never find a shortcut manager all that useful. However, Spark has proved me wrong.

Spark is easy to use, and, easy to figure out. I have had no problems with the key commands. Simply put: Spark is one of the best applications I have every downloaded and is HIGHLY recommended.

Get Spark here. for $0

If yo would like me to review your application, email me at: mactipper@gmail.com



(Note: This was a non-sponsored review and was merely done because I REALLY like the application.)