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Exposé – the hallmark of why using the OSX desktop is usually thought to be miles ahead of the one in Windows. The truth of the matter however, is that with Windows 7, Microsoft managed to one-up Apple with some nifty tricks of its own. Sure, switching between open windows is still more practical in OSX, using exposé, whereas you need to alt+tab in Windows. But what about managing those windows? Resizing them, moving them around, stacking them and the like? Here, OSX is sorely lacking!
Enter Divvy and Cinch! Both apps add extra functionality to OSX and after using them both for a day or two, you will begin to wonder why Apple didn't incorporate this on their own.
Divvy
Divvy's principle is simple – a small overlay gives you the ability, to resize the currently selected window according to a grid. That is all there is to it. Take a look at the screenshot for a better idea:
Simple, right? Well, it get's even better. You can record shortcuts, that put the selected window into a certain position (and set it's size) according to your wishes. A great example of this is having a shortcut that puts the window to the right of the desktop and takes up 60% of the screen estate and another shortcut, that puts the window left, taking up 40% of the screen. Obviously you can be more creative. Once Divvy gets under your skin, you will be managing windows with just a few short key presses, multitasking in the purest sense of the word.
Cinch
Remember how Microsoft was proud of it's new window management features in Windows 7? Specifically, the ability to maximize windows by dragging them to the top and have them take up half of the desktop by dragging them to the left or right edge of the screen? Cinch replicates that exact behavior!
Again, the simplicity of it all is beyond words! It may lack the customizability of Divvy, but it more than makes up for that with it's simple approach and efficiency.
KitGuru says: If you have a tenner to spare, get Divvy or Cinch, as they will make using OSX an even better experience. Even better, get both. That way you will be armed for those routine multi-window tasks as well as the occasional window head-to-head action!
