Xiaolin Showdown: RocketDock vs. ObjectDock

Windows users often tend to get jealous of Mac OS X's interface. It is shiny and gorgeous, and the dock is just amazing. I am a Windows user, and my mouth drools whenever my eyes stare at the dock in Leopard. So, I have to find a way to end my jealousy of Mac's interface. I found both RocketDock and the ObjectDock very useful, so I made the jump to write a showdown between the two apps.

RocketDock

Round 1 (Performance)

For starters, a dock is a platform of icons that allows users to easily skim through the row using 3D effects. Awesome, right? Well, both freebies offer amazing graphics and overall performance. Like the dock in Leopard, adding icons in both ObjectDock and RocketDock is a no-problem thing. The downside to both apps is that they are memory guzzlers! ObjectDock, especially, offers so many extreme 3D customizations and the ReadyView weather flyouts is unnecessary. It takes up lots of memory if you are sticking with integrated graphics. Therefore, RocketDock is truly the winner of this round.

Winner: RocketDock

ObjectDock

Round 2 (Features and Customizations)

RocketDock features basic options, like skin customization, minimize Windows to the dock, and compatible support with ObjectDock also. However, ObjectDock provides a lot more, intuitive features. It includes a display of running tasks on the dock, an optional swinging icons on mouse over, and tons of other goodies. If you are not satisfied with the free version of ObjectDock, you can roll out $20 for the Plus upgrade, which offers more features. As for me, the free version is flooded with more-than-needed features and options, so I would stick with the free version of ObjectDock.

Winner: ObjectDock

Round 3 (Usability)

Which one is easier to use? That is the main question. At first glance, this round seems to be a tie, but RocketDock has a mere element that convinced me to entitle it the champion of the showdown. Although ObjectDock is loaded with plethora of features, ObjectDock lacks System Tray support. You will have to pay the $20 upgrade to get it (which sucks). RocketDock is also not outfitted with this basic feature, but you can right-click on the RocketDock to access the settings or click on the control panel icon on the dock. Plus, RocketDock is completely portable, so you can transport and use the app anywhere!

Winner: RocketDock

The Bottom Line:

Both freebies emulate a Mac's environment in Windows really well. Although both apps are memory guzzlers, RocketDock is the victor. RocketDock offers cool options and several skin customizations all squeezed into one package. Best of all, it is FREE! If you are not satisfied, you can get the $20 ObjectDock Plus, which can spice up your desktop, and it also features better customization options than RocketDock.