11 thoughts on “The first 10 apps to install on your brand new Mac”

1. A new mac user has no need for most of these. They need to learn the system as is first. 1Password would be the only exception if only because it encourages having varied passwords which is better for online security

2. Which apps do you use Shawn?

   I use Defualt Folder, which when I use a Mac without it, feels like something’s wrong. Aside from that, I use Dropbox. I should say I used Dropbox, I now use Google Drive.
   Skype and VLC.
   If I didn’t have the Creative Suite I would definitely use Graphic Converter.

3. TextExpander, 1Password, Dropbox, Skype, CrashPlan, VLC, and GraphicConverter.

4. I used to use Default Folder years ago, but I didn’t like some of the things it changed on OS X. I really should try it again, it’s probably been a decade…

5. Default Folder and 1Password are the only things on the list I would say are ‘must-have’ apps for me. With Default Folder being far-and-away the best of the bunch. 1Password could easily be replaced by a half-dozen or more apps/services out there now (though it is still the very best of the bunch).

   I replaced Dropbox with Copy and enjoy 2TB of free space now (after referrals), with all the same features of Dropbox – but with better security (Barracuda Networks).

   I replaced the expensive & buggy TextExpander with aText a long time ago. Much cheaper, lots more stable, and nearly all the same features.

   Launchbar? Well, there are several better replacements in my opinion, not the least of which is simply to use the new Spotlight.

6. Default Folder and 1Password are the only things on the list I would say are ‘must-have’ apps for me. With Default Folder being far-and-away the best of the bunch. 1Password could easily be replaced by a half-dozen or more apps/services out there now (though it is still the very best of the bunch).

   I replaced Dropbox with Copy and enjoy 2TB (yes, Terabytes) of free space now (after referrals), with all the same features of Dropbox – but with better security (Barracuda Networks).

   I replaced the expensive & buggy TextExpander with aText a long time ago. Much cheaper, lots more stable, and nearly all the same features.

   Launchbar? Well, there are several better replacements in my opinion, not the least of which is simply to use the new Spotlight.

7. It’s an unusual list in my view. From it, I would agree that Dropbox, TextExpander and 1Password are essentials. But Graphic Converter? A fine app in its time but kind of a blast from the past. I much, much prefer Pixelmator. For text related stuff, I’m all about Byword and DayOne. Default Folder always felt too hacky-hacky-crashy-crashy to me. Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give an honourable mention to OneDrive. I tried to hate it, but to my great surprise, it keeps proving itself as a worthy alternative to Dropbox. All just one guy’s opinion, of course.

8. All ok choices, but it has a blind spot. It doesn’t address the biggest uses of any computing device these days- Twitter & Facebook. Both are simply available via the web, but web access is very last decade. I use the the twitter app on my mac & a Facebook Mac(&iOS) app called Friendly for Facebook. Of course you may prefer different Twitter & Facebook apps. If I used Google services, I would probably list some Mac apps for those too.

9. 1Password, DefaultFolder, Alfred with the paid upgrade, Hazel, Keyboard Maestro, PathFinder, Knox, ScriptDebugger, FileMaker Pro Advanced, Omni Outliner Pro, OmniFocus 2 Pro, CC2014, TextExpander (not at all buggy for me), Moom, and I’m sure I’m missing a few.

10. what does “last decade” mean? how is Facebook any less accessible on its own native website than it is on your Mac desktop client?

11. I’m surprised Evernote wasn’t mentioned.

    Personally, I would die without 1Password, TextExpander, and Alfred. It would be like typing with mittens.