Mac OS XP
Author: Max Rudberg
Version: 2.5
Reviewed by: Phillip Ryu
User Rating: 
63%
Even Max calls this extensive project something he did "for fun". Even if with a little embarrassment and guilt, give it a try, because Max's port is a complete, accurate depiction of what's on the other side. Recommended for switchers, the curious, and perhaps even reluctant Mac fans.
Posted by phillryu on January 28, 2004
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NEOS
Author: Daisuke Yamashita
Version: 1.1
Reviewed by: Steve Streza & Phillip Ryu
User Rating: 66%
NEOS is yet another dark OS X theme, the first to take advantage of ShapeShifter's advanced features, and present a truly dark theme. Yet, one wonders if dark themes are still not quite possible on OS X. Usability issues abound, detracting from the overall theme.
Posted by stevestreza on January 25, 2004
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Titanium
Author: John Tewksbury
Version: 7
Reviewed by: Steve Streza
User Rating: 64%
In the past, I've had a theory. Dark themes in OS X just don't work. Between contrast and hard-to-see text, dark themes don't fare very well on OS X. Then I get my hands on John Tewskbury's Titanium. And that theory, in one swift, bold stroke, has been proven completely wrong. The curious will be rewarded.
Posted by stevestreza on January 19, 2004
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Xounds
Author: Unsanity
Cost: $10
Version: 2.1
Reviewed by: Steve Streza
User Rating: 64%
The Unsanity group has done some great things for OS X. Between apps like Silk, WindowShade, and the important ShapeShifter, Unsanity has proved their skill and calling as haxie developers. So now we come to Xounds, which can be described as ShapeShifter for your speakers. How does it compare?
Posted by stevestreza on January 14, 2004
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WindowShade X
Author: Unsanity
Cost: $10
Version: 3.1
Reviewed by: Daniel Shannon
User Rating: 65%
There are few groups of programmers that have brought Mac users as much joy as Unsanity with their popular "haxies". WindowShade X, a homage to the feature in previous Mac OS's, is a product that deserves to be recognized as one of the most useful Mac hacks available today.
Posted by phillryu on January 14, 2004
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Brushed
Author: Max Rudberg
Version: 3.5
Reviewed by: Steven Canfield
User Rating: 65%
Brushed 3.5 is basically Apple's Brushed Metal look, reinterpreted by Max Rudberg. Of course, like all of Max's themes, every element is refined and there are 10 variations. Even if you prefer the Aqua look, Max's version is great, so take thirty seconds to download this theme. You'll likely be surprised.
Posted by on January 13, 2004
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EYLO
Author: Max Rudberg
Version: 1.0
Reviewed by: Steve Streza
User Rating: 62%
EYLO, which is included with ShapeShifter and is based on the critically acclaimed Halo, is a very unique theme inspired by the blue, futuristic interfaces present in the game. However, a theme must be functional as well as good-looking and, as always, Max does a great job creating a beautiful look while retaining the feel of the Mac.
Posted by stevestreza on January 12, 2004
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ShapeShifter
Author: Unsanity
Cost: $20
Version: 1.0.1
Reviewed by: Phillip Ryu
User Rating: 63%
Many theme users will remember November 18th as the day of ShapeShifter's release, and the subsequent revolution in Mac theming. Or perhaps not. Nevertheless, ShapeShifter is undeniably a quality product, and one that indeed holds the key that may unlock OS X's limitations.
Posted by phillryu on January 11, 2004
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GUiPod
Author: Swizcore Studio
Version: 1.0.1
Reviewed by: Steven Canfield
User Rating: 64%
GUiPod attempts to copy the look and feel of Apple's iPod OS, as well as the look of the actual iPod hardware. Where it succeeds, it does so fabulously, but it has some minor hiccups. Overall, I'd suggest playing around with GUiPod, sending feedback to Swizcore Studios, and letting it mature to version 2.
Posted by phillryu on January 08, 2004
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Shinobi
Author: Takashi Izawa
Version: 2.2.1
Reviewed by: Steve Streza
User Rating: 65%
Shinobi's mix of dark elements, contrasted by a nice, cool, vibrant blue hue from progress bars, radio buttons, and tabs works very well. The other widgets are also nicely realized. However, Shinobi is deceiving. While the aesthetics are pulled off successfully, the usability of this theme hurts Shinobi considerably.
Posted by stevestreza on January 08, 2004
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SafarIcon
Author: Reinhold Penner
Cost: Free
Version: 1.8.2
Reviewed by: Phillip Ryu
User Rating: 65%
SafarIcon has become widely used Safari toolbar sets are now included with most themes. However, while SafarIcon has evidently had a lot of work put into it, the user interface is overcomplicated, nonstandard, confusing, and slow, which brings me to the conclusion that SafarIcon is a lot more complicated than it could have been.
Posted by phillryu on January 05, 2004
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SmoothStripes
Author: Max Rudberg
Version: 4.1
Reviewed by: Phillip Ryu
User Rating: 66%
Though originally created to erase the stripes so prominent in 10.1 and Jaguar, SmoothStripes has since become much more. By updating almost every element in Aqua, Max has created a set of themes that remains Aqua at their hearts, but can change to fit any user's whims.
Posted by phillryu on January 04, 2004
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Aqua
Author: Apple
Version: 10.3
Reviewed by: Daniel Shannon
User Rating: 66%
Themes are all well and good, but dare we forget the basics? Let's face it, ladies and gentlemen: Aqua is probably the best "theme" around. You've all seen it, and you've all used it... but have you considered just what makes it so cool?
Posted by on January 03, 2004
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iPulse
Author: The IconFactory
Cost: $12.95
Version: 2.0.1
Reviewed by: Phillip Ryu
User Rating: 62%
iPulse is an apt name for a performance gauge that blinks, flashes, pulses, and shifts colors. As a performance gauge, the application is detailed in its information, and surprisingly kind on your CPU. As an IconFactory app, iPulse is incredibly customizable, and this is made even easier with skins packaged as iPulse Jackets.
Posted by phillryu on January 02, 2004
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