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Review
iKey
Issue: 2.4 (March/April 2004)
Author: Brian Jones
Article Description: No description available.
Article Length (in bytes): 3,494
Starting Page Number: 8
RBD Number: 2403
Resource File(s): None
Related Web Link(s):
http://www.scriptsoftware.com
Known Limitations: None
Full text of article...
iKey from Script Software enables users to set up keyboard shortcuts to perform a wide selection of actions. Similar applications tend to limit themselves just to keyboard shortcuts, but iKey does a lot more. iKey wants change the way you work with your computer by allowing extremely high customizability, interface flexibility, and scripting power.
iKey runs in the background with a menu item and a preference panel as the interface for user input. There is also an application called iKey Editor that is used to set up the shortcuts and scripts.
First off, there are sixty different types of actions that can be used individually or combined into sequences. Among them are simple actions such as playing sounds and launching applications, and more complicated actions such as executing UNIX commands and mounting servers on a network. In order to set up an action, the user simply makes a selection from a menu and adjusts various settings in the resulting dialog box in order to achieve the desired effect. The interface is a bit clunky in its presentation, but it is always clear what to do and where to do it.
These actions can be triggered by four methods: keyboard shortcuts, inclusion in the iKey menu item, scheduling, and a variety of user-created interface options. This variety is a major ingredient in making iKey a step above the vast majority of its competition. iKey can really become a seamless addition to the established work habits of its users, rather than forcing its users to adapt to it.
The user-created interface options are the most powerful option for triggering these actions. Users can set up floating menus that appear on a keystroke, floating palette windows with buttons for each action, and other similar options. All of these options offer impressive degrees of customizability. For example, the palettes can be made transparent and they can be made to adhere to particular dimensions and button arrangements.
The actions also need not be executed in isolation. Sequences can be set up, including some basic timing functionality, to fire on any of the trigger methods.
Finally, all of the above features can be configured to operate in a universal context or in a specific application. As a result, iKey as useful for scripting a sequence of events to be run at login as it is for making an extra tool palette for your favorite text editor, programming environment, or web browser.
iKey has a few small problems, mostly relating to its somewhat obtuse interface, but for the most part it is an amazingly flexible and useful application. iKey is easily adopted and will enhance any user's Mac experience.
In Brief Product iKey 1.0.5 Manufacturer Script Software Contact Info http://www.scriptsoftware.com Price $20 Pros Powerful, Flexible Cons Interface needs work Rating (1.0-5.0): 4.8
End of article.
Article copyrighted by REALbasic Developer magazine. All rights reserved.
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