Also known as BitsyDocks McStoops, xDock is a “use-at-you-own-risk software”. But even the steely-eyed PerversionTracker staff had no way of knowing what immense risks slithered within this REALbasic garbage scow, and its requisitely ineffectual toolbar was the smallest of our worries. Using a user interface technique known in the trade as “Cocoa mit Mayonnaise,” the Xnation team still hasn’t got it quite right. With an option to have Aqua lovingly layered inside mounds of creamy brushed metal, the experience is truly mama-jama-eye-poppalicious.
Adding to this visual sensation, the developers wisely chose to implement a partially transparent window whenever xDock is placed in the background. Our screenshot shows this effect in action, layered above the Xnation website, with its rainbow-colored (yet poop-flavored) X “logo.” Naturally, Xnation’s preferred bicapitalization is continually inconsistent, reminding us of a denticulate goose with an undying hunger for gluteus maximus.
However, we really must complement Xnation on their stunningly intuitive blue-blob of an icon, an icon that fairly screams “hidden dock properties editor.” Indeed, after experiencing this masterpiece, all other icons seem unexpressive and incontinent. Intuitive as it may be, it appears to have been crafted through an elaborate process involving egg beaters, unpasteurized lard, and blue food coloring (or perhaps the lard was home to a rare species of diatom.).
Despite containing visual flaws that are as noticable as the glossy clumps of flowing hair on the backs of the average PvT reader, Xdock manages to provide a passable method for altering one’s hidden dock settings, and even offers us mild innovation in the form of “Dock Poofs Online”. As such, we will only briefly chastise Jonas Helland and Espend Klausen for being reprehensible Norwegians, before heaving a 8.7 into the fjord nearest their combination fish-smoking hut/software development office.
Posted by ladd at July 8, 2003 01:48 AM | TrackBackThat icon is so hot I want to have sex with it. Dirty, naked *binary* sex. Or perhaps xDock started without me and the icon is the what remains. Leave me now so that I may cry, unwanted, into a tub of ice cream . . .
Posted by: Horny O'Baby on July 8, 2003 05:00 AMOK, what's the deal with the "x McSx"? I know I'm missing something, but is it worth getting?
Posted by: on July 8, 2003 08:13 AM"Naturely, Xnation’s preferred bicapitalization is continually inconsistent [...]"
Does this mean that ugly and clumsy as xDock is, it at least helps you get outside for some fresh air?
Posted by: Rob on July 8, 2003 09:04 AMno. It does not.
Posted by: Previously Insane on July 8, 2003 10:22 AMThere is no fresh air outside. You will either inhale vast nebulas of manure-gas when you live out in the country or you will asphyxiate slowly in your concrete prisons of cities filled with vehicle-excreted gasoline residue.
Just stay home and play with your Dock.
Posted by: Thuros M. on July 8, 2003 10:33 AMOk. I'm not going to comment on this program, but I am going to comment on some remarks made towards my comments on the previously reviewed program. Religions do not scare me. Only highly conservative radical Bible thumpers scare me. I can't be afraid of religion as my own religion (Discordianism) is the worship of a Greek goddess known as Eris (Dischord and chaos). Therefore, if I was afraid of religion, I'd be afraid of myself. But I'm not. Its only the radicals of religion that scare me, but mostly Christians cause I'm tired of them saying I'm going to hell because I haven't been "saved" by Christ. I just don't see how a carpenter will save me....But anyways.
I'd be more than happy to discuss Discordianism outside this forum, as quite frankly, one should never discuss Discordianism. On a forum.
Reason I didn't reply sooner: Too much Warhammer 40K stuff to paint. Demius is now in the garage slaving away at making my minis primed for painting. Mmmm....breakfast time...
Posted by: Laemkral on July 8, 2003 01:37 PMDear Mr. Thuros M.,
You said, "Just stay home and play with your Dock."
Didn't our mothers' say we go blind if we stayed home and just played with our "dock" all the time. I turned off magnification on my dock because it was getting to big, if you know what I mean (cause I sure the hell don't know what I mean).
...oh no...things are getting blurry already...
Posted by: Norm O. Tidwell on July 8, 2003 01:38 PMDear Mr. Laemkral,
You seem to WANT people to talk about your point of view since you have nothing to say about the program at hand. You could at least slyly work in your comment into the subject matter at hand. So Mr. Laemkral, I will help you out by talking about you and your pathetic pandering to the masses of unevolved pond scum which we so dearly refer to as PvT readers. (If I haven't offended everyone yet, please send a note to the PvT staff and I'll make sure you are not missed the next time I insult every human being on the face of this earth because every human being should read PvT).
First off, everyone who goes to hell, goes there by choice. You don't need Jesus' help to save you from hell, but to get into heaven. That "carpenter" can "help" by taking his "hammer" and "beating" some sense into your "head" (notice the extra use of of unnecessary quotes). Wow, that last sentence really sounds like I am really into "thumping" people--cool. I think you ARE afraid of religion! I think you ARE afraid to turn in to what you fear the most--yourself! Hiding behind some greek goddess known for dischord and chaos means in scientific terms you have one hell of a problem with entropy. Does everything seem to fall apart in your life? Maybe you should write a book on Discordianism called, "Discordianism for Dummies." For that is what Discordianism is for isn't it--for dummies? OK, that was a cheap joke, but it was a good one though.
Do you feel thoroughly insulted yet like you had you beliefs stomped on in a totally inappropriate way on for no good reason yet? If you need my services in the future, don't be afraid to ask.
Oh come on people! Wipe that look of horror of your faces at uncle Norm's comments or YOU will be next on my hit list.
BTW, xDock sucks. See Mr. Laemkral, it is possible to work your comments into the review of the program at hand.
Posted by: Norm O. Tidwell on July 8, 2003 02:21 PMWow. For a message board these comments are starting to sound like they come from people who care. Way to go PvT for starting this completely bizarre but not unloved trend. First off (I hate things that start this way because you know they will be long) Laemkral: Whatever. If you aren’t afraid of religion I believe you it just sounded as if you were because you started spouting narrow-sounding views at the mention of it. If you really don’t understand Christianity it is really simple. If you care to hear about it you can email me. If you don’t you shouldn’t. If you are scared then get over it jj. Secondly Norm: Wow are you an idiot. You are so far from offensive it is comical. You are either someone trying to sound brazenly impertinent and failing miserably or you are a prick that likes to hear the sound of his own verbal heave. Take a pill. Relax. No one likes a misplaced aficionado spouting exasperating propaganda. Go home. Nobody likes you!
Je Suis Fini1
> one should never discuss Discordianism.
"The first rule of Discordian Club is, nobody talks about Discordian Club."
Posted by: Robo on July 8, 2003 03:21 PMDear Mr. Previously Insane,
Tisk tisk tisk...Sounds like someone forgot to eat their road kill this morning.
You said, "Wow are you an idiot." Thank you! FINALLY, someone recognizes me for what I am. I was beginning to think I had an IQ. You also said, "You are either someone trying to sound brazenly impertinent and failing miserably or you are a prick that likes to hear the sound of his own verbal heave." Why can't I be a poor excuse for a brazenly impertinent AND a prick. I think it gives me a very unique perspective. Being a prick means I can screw you over and being a failed brazen impertinent means you really are the things I say you are. I like it. While we are at it can we add shithead to my resume? I really like the sound of shithead. It has the distinction of authority and grace.
I am at home writing this so it makes no sense to "go home." So where else would like me to go?
BTW, xDock really sucks.
Posted by: Norm O. Tidwell on July 8, 2003 04:13 PMwith a startlingly accurate rebutle such as that who needs to make a comment in return. I salute you Norm O queen-of-the-useless. You have failed to out do yourself and yet you are still here.
We of the Arthurian conviction are deeply shocked to see that no one has mentioned His Oneness himself, the legendary King Arthur, in this whole religious hubbub around here in this vile, unholy Cathedral of Cynics.
Realize that all those chosen by fate to carry the Name of the King are his true descendants. You can recognize them by their good looks, infinite charisma and success with the ladies. They also tend to slightly alter their names in online communications to not blemish the Pure Name with the cold, unpersonal "digital lifestyle" so much in flow today.
When you meet a descendant, have a chat with him and cleanse yourself by donating your earthly belongings to him. Enlightenment will follow soon after when you're hitchhiking your way back home.
Thank you for your time. Oh, and xDock blows.
Posted by: Thuros M. on July 8, 2003 04:29 PMOK, this has to stop. 13 rambling posts and not one mention of the GMC.
Oh, and xDock sucks.
Posted by: U. D. Mann on July 8, 2003 06:41 PMMore like, 14 rambling posts, and no real mention of anything.
Posted by: on July 8, 2003 06:47 PMDear Mr. "",
You wrote, "More like, 14 rambling posts, and no real mention of anything."
Just to satisfy you request.
anything anything anything anything anything anything anything anything anything anything anything anything anything anything anything anything anything anything anything anything anything anything anything anything
There, did I mention "anything" enough for you?
Would you like a turd to go with that? I made it myself. I really believe in sharing.
BTW, I actually changed my mind about xDock. I really think it looks good and operates superbly in all of its function compared to iBible.
Posted by: Norm O. Tidwell on July 8, 2003 07:06 PMPlease, O Steve, smile upon these who would waste their time speaking of other powers - for you are the greatest of all.
Posted by: dude on July 8, 2003 07:33 PMDear N.O.T.:
What makes you so sure I'm a "Mr."? I suppose it's theoretically possible that the odd female might turn up at PvT. So next time, please be more politically correct.
Mr. ""
Posted by: on July 8, 2003 07:41 PMDear Mr. "",
I am sorry that your sex change operation did not go well. So what are you now, male, female, or castrated monkey? If you are a castrated monkey, I know of a real horny electric pencil sharpener that I think you will find interesting as a love puppet. Geez, I am getting so hot just thinking about it. May I watch as you slowly embrace and caress the lovely lines of that erotic electric pencil sharpener. As you whisper dirty little sweet nothings to the opening for the pencils and as you feel its long cord as you gently plug it into the highly energetic outlet. As you hear the hum of its electronic motor spin into action.......Sorry about that, I got a little carried away there.
How is that for being politally correct? Would you like a turd?
Posted by: Norm O. Tidwell on July 8, 2003 08:51 PMDear N.O.T.:
Yes. Please send the turd and the pencil sharpener, C.O.D., to:
Mr. ""
P.O. Box 3572
Pago Pago, AS 96799
I will be ever so grateful.
Mr. ""
Posted by: on July 8, 2003 08:58 PMDear Mr. "",
What the hell is wrong with you!? You want to stick a turd in an electric pencil sharpener? What in the world do you hope to accomplish with a sharp turd? I thought I was weird, but your turd fetish takes the cake. Have you ever thought of pursuing professional help? May I recommend speaking to aussie boy since he once had pencil sharpener and turd fetish as you do. He is better now (barely). You can kick your sharp turd habit with a little help from your friends. Remember, friends these days are not cheap. I should know, my girl friend cost $300 an hour.
The world awaits your brilliant explanation of the use of sharpened turds.
Posted by: Norm O. Tidwell on July 8, 2003 09:22 PMDear N.O.T.:
There you go again, leaping to conclusions. I never said anything about using the excrement and the sharpener together; that was YOUR idea. Sounds to me like you're the one with the filthy mind. Please forward the requested items post haste, bearing in mind that you already offered to do so.
Speaking of Aussie Boy, is he dead? Or what? I heard a rumour that Telstra was deactivating its San Francisco - Sydney link, owing to the dramatic recent decrease in transpacific traffic.
Mr. ""
Posted by: on July 8, 2003 09:41 PMDear Mr. "",
Denial is a common symptom turd-pencil-sharpner dysfunction. You KNOW you want to stick a turd in a pencil sharpener. We all sense that dull glaze in your eyes. The turd inches closer to the pencil sharpener and your hand gets sweaty with anticipation. The thought of turd shavings flying out of the sharpener sends your heart racing. You know you cannot deny these urges, so just admit it and take a step into a larger world where sharp turds can go free.
BTW, xDock reminds me of a sharp turd.
Posted by: Norm O. Tidwell on July 8, 2003 10:20 PMDear N.O.T.:
I am afraid the depth of your depravity, and the extent of your sharpened turd perversion, is now made manifest. This is, after all, "Perversion Tracker." Members of the Simian Bureau of the Warren Commission will arrive shortly to assist you. For your sake, please do not resist, as they are authorized to use lethal bananas if required.
Kindly ask Monkey #249643 ("Ashcroft") to forward the pencil sharpener and unsharpened turd to the address given above. The tenor and content of your response will determine our future actions in this matter.
Yours in Crime,
Mr. ""
Posted by: on July 8, 2003 10:36 PMSometimes I fear that I might be the only odd female at PvT. Or maybe just the oddest.
But at least you can't pin the sharpened turds on me. No, really -- get away from me!
A big "thank you" for correcting "Naturely". Quality is Job 1. Have You Played Atari Today?
Posted by: Rob on July 9, 2003 04:28 PMOh man. xDock just changed all my dock menus to Italian. It took a fair bit of fenangling to get them back to the Queen's English.
So ... butt ugly icon, crappy interface, *and* erratic behaviour.
Posted by: Greedo on August 27, 2003 03:55 PM