An app launcher that does not open in dock?

[gødspeed]

Is there a good app launcher that stays entirely in the top right system bar area, and does not need to be open in the dock to work? I'm very finicky about what's in my dock, and don't like having background utilities showing up in it.

 

[GGJstudios]

It depends on what "background utilities" you're referring to. Which ones?

 

[spinnerlys]

Spotlight?

http://www.usingmac.com/2008/10/25/mac-application-launchers
found via that old little sister

 

[mixel]

Butler, it has a tiny memory footprint, also does a great job of itunes controlling, multiple clipboard managing and other things.. Doesn't appear in the dock.

http://manytricks.com/butler/

 

[riscy]

Another thumbs up for butler - i love it, also great for remembering keystrokes, such as password logins. (I know some people will mention security, but it is not an issue for me).

 

[M.a.r.k.]

i'm currently checking out alfred (http://www.alfredapp.com/);
so far i like it it's pretty fast and get's the job done

 

[dirt farmer]

aLunch is great! The website is not all in English, but the app. is great and very intuitive.

 

[ryanide]

overflow

I like Overflow, but it's icon does sit in the dock. However it is easy to customize and use with hot keys or a button on my wacom tablet.

 

[birch25]

LaunchBar, Quicksilver, Butler, Alfred, and (of course) Spotlight all can run without a dock icon. Some of them have an option burried in the preferences.