Originally posted by macnews
...I like the fast user switching - hope it is faster than windows XP. It looked like it was when it was previewed. ...
It is much faster. When enabled, fast user switching puts your user name up in the right side of the menu bar, where the app switcher used to be in OS 9, and to switch users you just select who from a drop-down menu. My machine doesn't support Quartz Extreme, so it doesn't do the cube thing, just goes blank then shows the new desktop.
And Expose is perhaps the coolest thing since sliced bread. With OS 8/9, I used a little control panel called ApplWindows, that allowed me to click anywhere around the edge of the screen and pull up a menu with all apps and their windows. I could then easily switch to whichever app/window I wanted. The Dock doesn't even come close to this functionality - too slow with the menus. Expose is fast. I have it set so that when I click on the middle button (scroll wheel), it reveals all windows (that aren't hidden). I also have hot corners set; the 'reveal desktop' (or whatever) is dang handy as well; clears all windows off to the side of the screen, so you can just barely see the side of 'em. Go back to the corner, or click on what little you can see, and voila! they're back. Really very slick.
And the system does seem more responsive, over all. Apps launch faster, windows resize faster (although still some lag), et al. And while some hate it, I like the move to brushed metal. The new Finder kicks; much easier to navigate with the new layout.
Anyways, I look forward to coughing up my $129 when the GM is released. If y'all thought Jaguar was worth the $$$, then you'll love Panther.
Oh yeah, just for the record -
iMac DV 400 w/ 320MB is what I'm using. Gonna try it on my Wallstreet, but I don't think it's supported.
(tig)
