What does this mean? It means QuicKeys can record or be programmed to emulate actions of a computer user without the presence of the user. People might know of AppleScript, a language that allows one to do some batch processing on the Mac, QuicKeys does the same thing.

So, why one would pay $100 to have something that a free application from Apple can duplicate? Firstly, if the shortcuts were exactly the same, it is much easier to record or program shortcuts in QuicKeys than it is to program them in AppleScript. Secondly, one can trigger a QuicKeys shortcuts by pressing some keys (that is, by assigning a hot-key to the action), by opening an application, by setting a date and time, etc. I'll elaborate on that later. Thirdly, one can create toolbars that allow one to click buttons to accomplish many tasks.

Both, QuicKeys and AppleScript, can trigger actions emulating an user. AppleScript can do that, even if an application is not scriptable (that is, it does not talk to AppleScript). Both do that via Universal Access' assistive devices. This is a mixed blessing. If in one hand it allows both applications to interact with programs that it would be impossible to interact otherwise, it is also a source of problems. I had a bunch of misfires with QuicKeys and honestly cannot decide whether those were QuicKeys' or assistive devices' fault. I remember having trouble scripting Windows Media player (for Mac) until a new version fixed some bugs (not exactly bugs, but for the lack of a better word...).

These problems made me get in touch with CE Software tech support. They were very responsive and they were pretty fast on their response. Including Saturdays... The software (box) comes with a nice manual, easy to read and with a lot of illustrations. In a network environment, one can install one copy in many computers but only one will work at a time, if you have only one license. This seems fair.

Whom is this software for and how much can one get out of it? QuicKeys, as AppleScript, is a software used to be productive in one's Mac. If someone does intensive work in the computer and the tasks are repetitive, QuicKeys is certainly a good choice. If this is your case, QuicKeys would pay for itself very fast.

Again, assume that this is your case, should you run and buy it now? Well, this depends. I believe that people with better knowledge of programming would benefit more from Quickeys. I do believe, however, that even beginners with a bit of good will can also be productive with this software. I do not believe it is for people who are scared of the word "programming".

What if one is a good programmer or a power AppleScript user? I was wondering if I would buy QuicKeys for $100. I believe I would not; I would be interested in other "stuff". I do not mean to say that there is no benefit in using QuicKeys compared to or used in conjunction with AppleScript. Because QuicKeys is triggered the way it is (see "secondly" above) it is more convenient than AppleScript. I wrote a script to change locations on my iBook and compared it with a QuicKeys shortcut to achieve the same thing. QuicKeys is hands down easier to program, and faster to perform, principally because of hot-keys.

Also, QuicKeys would allow scripts to be launched at a certain time of the day, which can be very handy. On top of everything, QuicKeys is contextually driven, so some of the toolbars menu items are only visible in the context (application(s)) that they were intended for. As I was reviewing QuicKeys X2 a new version QuicKeys X3 has been released (probably at Maria's request, just to remind me of how long I took to write this review...). There are a bunch of improvements (check website). The one I like the best is the ability to speak the trigger of a QuicKeys action.

The new release also has introduced some improvement in the way people can share their shortcuts. QuicKeys is a very nice software and is full of features. It is not bullet proof, and I cannot pin point the culprit of its problems for sure.

Reviewer: Deivy Petrescu [No Bio was provided for this review. However, Deivy was MLMUG's Member of the Month for June 2003. Read that piece here.]

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© 2005 by Deivy Petrescu & MLMUG
Posted 1/24/05
Updated xx/xx/05