Rob Wilkerson

As a long time Windows user, one of my frustrations has always been the lack of a decent date/time display. When I transitioned to the Mac a few months ago, I hoped that particular frustration would be alleviated. Although it was better, it still wasn't all it should be, in my mind.

Before we go any further, let me offer my definition of decent as it relates to this topic:

1. The application should provide the option of displaying the date and time or either one without the other.
2. The user should have the ability to format the date and time to their preference. I like seeing Tue, 3/20 1437, personally.
3. In lieu of displaying the date, the user should have the option of displaying an icon that displays the current day of the month.
4. When the user clicks on the display, a calendar should be displayed similar to the way other menu bar icons (OS X) and system tray icons (Windows) display menus.
5. The calendar that's displayed should provide full functionality to navigate through months.
6. The calendar should not be bloated with things like events, to do lists and other features that are handled by countless other applications. For me, at least, this kind of calendar is a reference tool, not a PIM.
7. The display should appear - or offer the option to appear - in the location of the current display. This is one thing I think both OS's did correctly out of the box. The display location is unobtrusive, but easy to find and reference.
8. An option should be provided that will allow me to replace the system implementation from within the preferences.
9. The entire display - including any icons - should look professional and be consistent with the styling of other icons used by the OS. Some applications simply don't spend enough time with their icons and it makes the application look less attractive and less professional, in my opinion - even if it does everything well.

A few weeks ago, I just got fed up with the display on my Windows machine and I went on a serious hunt for a better system clock. I found one that was close, but not quite good enough. I'll have to carry on with the paltry OS implementation. On the periphery of that search, though, I ran across a replacement for the OS X system clock that looked pretty solid so I decided to install it.

A very, very happy dance ensued. The guys at Charcoal Design have absolutely nailed it. Seriously. This is it. MagiCal is exactly what I've been asking for. And, if that's not enough, it's also free. I've now been using it for a couple of weeks and it really is the bees knees. If I weren't tougher than a roofing tack, I might weep with joy. Must...keep it...together...

If you don't believe me, here's a screenshot:

It's a beautiful thing.