Combining ObjectBar w/ ObjectDock...

ObjectDock is obviously a wonderful program. 'Nuff said.

But has anyone thought of combining the features from Stardock's ObjectBAR (a Start bar replacement program that allows users to custom-design their own start bars with any design, orientation, configuration of cascading menus, program or file icons, meters, virtual desktops, etc.) with the sleek elegance of ObjectDock?

I always liked ObjectBar, but have been reluctant to continue using it because it always seemed 'slow' or occasionally would not refresh the menus (leaving them 'hanging' in midair, unresponsive, overlying the desktop). ObjectDock on the otherhand is as fast as lightning! While the possibilities for ObjectDock are burgeoning due to its use of docklets, they are still somewhat limited because this extended functionality merely occupies an icon space in the dock.

What I would like to see is an integrated Start bar replacement, such as ObjectBar, that allows me to do the following:

(1) Design my own skinable custom bar with programmable/customizable menus, a taksbar (to show me what's running) and notification area (to show me what's in memory);

(2) Have a quicklaunch section that expands and animates, similar to ObjectDock. Conceivably, one could have several of these for different categories of programs (e.g., Applications, Internet, Games); They could expand from a menu-type icon (e.g., Games) on mouse hover to reveal all of the choices in that dock;

(3) Have the ability to add docklets to the bar that could do things such as show a calendar page w/ the date, show a clock w/ the time, show an icon w/ the weather, and much, much more;

(4) Add meters for CPU usage, disk storage, etc.;

(5) Add virtual desktop management navigation;

(6) Respond to WindowFX features such as fading-in and -out of the bar (similar to how WindowFX can fade-in and fade-out the Start bar).


These are just my two cents. I really like ObjectBar and I really love ObjectDock. It would be the best of both worlds if they could merge.

~ amoreAmaro aka aieeeAieee
amore_amaro @ hotmail.com
[Message Edited]
2,452 views 7 replies
Reply #1 Top
Well, some DesktopX themes have a lot of these features, like menus, launchers, calendars, meters, and Virtual Desktops. I'm not sure if WindowFX is able to affect it yet, but I'm sure it's coming sometime in the future.



Powered by SkinBrowser!
Reply #2 Top
I love my ObjectDock, but I don't like ObjectBar. Never got used to it...



Powered by SkinBrowser!
Reply #3 Top
Well I use either or for a program launcher, since I don't like using my taskbar for it. Using both in tandem however, seems a bit of overkill to me, but obviously it's possible to use them both practically. Like I said, check out some DX themes, they'll have most of the features you're looking for.



Powered by SkinBrowser!
Reply #4 Top
I LOVE Object Bar and I haven't experienced the problems of hanging menus that you mentioned, neverthelesss I do unddrstand what your saying.

I personally plan to use both one I re-new my Object Desktop subscription.


Also, if I am not mistaken, Object Dock has CPU meters, and a section can be created for QuickLaunch (manually I guess). I think there are weather docklets, time docklets, but I don't know of any calender ones.

A while ago there were a few people who were asking around about what plug-ins people wanted for OjectDock and the ones they made were pretty good.
Reply #5 Top
I love objectbar too, and not just for it's ability to replace the start menu. What I would like to see is more devlopment on it, better integration with skinstudio for skinning it, more plug-ins that actually work without crashing it, more features such as the ability to assign 2 or more commands to a single control.
Unfortunately it appears that it's development has fallen by the wayside
Objectdock can be extremely pretty, but for me it just isn't as configurable and useful as objectbar.
Reply #6 Top
I've tried them both and decided to stick with the WinXP taskbar, though I use some of the individual objects for DX
Reply #7 Top
Neither objectdock or objectbar are necessarily a replacement for the taskbar tho. They can be great program launchers, offering funcionality that the taskbar cannot offer, and so supplement rather than replace it.