The List Of Mac Application Makers Who Just “Get It.”

As Mac users, we’ve always been a picky bunch. We want our computer experience to be a good one, so we chose a Mac. Why? Mac OS? Mac OS X? Mac applications? Yes, to all. It should be obvious that the best Mac application makers just “get it.” Here’s why and who.

First, let me say that this isn’t a comprehensive list. I’m doing it from memory and without any monetary motivation and because Tera wants us to create articles in just 30-minutes.

Second, if I forget a Mac application or maker that you really, really, really think should be on the list, tell me. Tell us. Tell everyone in the forums. It’s free and easy.

Third, every Mac application maker on this list has one or more products that are considered by many to be best of breed and I paid my own hard-earned money to find out.

Finally, the criteria for the list: Mac apps that I like and use; apps that have a ‘feel’ about them and get the job done with a minimum of effort.

Oh, one more thing. It’s not a list in chronological order, or order of magnitude, or order of preference, or order of quality. It’s purely a list with no order at all.

I prefer Mac applications that just work. High on anyone’s list of great Mac application developers has to be the folks at Econ Technologies. Why? ChronoSync, Portraits & Prints, DayChaser, and ImageCaster.

That’s four excellent applications. I bought and use all but DayChaser.

Got backups? Many Mac users now swear by SuperDuper! from Shirt-Pocket. Also popular and effective is Deja Vu from Propaganda Productions.

These apps just work. These developers have great company.

If you’re a Mac user who moves files around, you know there are aboiut a dozen FTP applications available, a few of them excellent. So it is with Panic’s Transmit. I’ve not found one better though I like David Kocher’s CyberDuck. It’s free.

Do think Microsoft’s Word is the only word processor in town? Not so. Even if you’re not creating your own ‘Microsoft Free’ work zone, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a dozen or so word processors for the Mac.

Three of the best include Mellel, Mariner Write, and one of my favorites, Nisus Writer Express.

Yes, Apple makes great software. So does Adobe and Macromedia. Even Microsoft’s Office for the Mac is considered a better user experience that Office on Windows. Among graphic apps developers, there are others that shine.

Stone Design has a bunch of excellent Mac apps that do ‘different’ than the big guys. Same with the Swiss Army Knife of Mac graphics applications, Lemke’s GraphicConverter. Don’t leave home without it.

Many web designers and programmers swear by Bare Bones and their venerable BBEdit. I use their TextWrangler. It’s free.

You gotta love Western Civilization and StyleMaster for the Mac (if you know how to spell CSS).

Who brought you RSS? Ranchero and NetNewsWire were the first to do it right. Comics on the Mac? Who does it better than Plasq with Comic Life? Honestly. These folks ‘get it.’

Need a Mac application that does diagramming and charts? Try OmniGraffle from The OmniGroup. The same goes for quick web page development. Make it quick with Real Mac Software’s RapidWeaver.

Suddenly, this list has become a real list. Wait! There’s more.

I love digital slide shows and got hooked on LQ Graphics Photo to Movie. Then along comes Boinx Software and FotoMagico. Dumb name. Neat Mac application.

Again, this list is about Mac applications developers who make Mac apps that work. They ‘get it.’ For example, Chronos. Not one, not two, not three, but many Mac applications that are excellent. Even the one named StickyBrain. It’s sticky and slick.

One of Bambi’s favorites is the folks at BeLight Software, makers of Swift Publisher, Mail Factory, and Business Card Composer. They ‘get it.’

As I said, it’s not the list to end all lists. What’s on your list? What Mac applications do you have from developers who just ‘get it’ and create a great app that makes your life better. Chime in via Comments link below or head to the Forums.

Check out the daily list of our 9 Word mini-Reviews at NoodleMac, and Kate's daily in-depth Mac software reviews at PixoBebo.