So here is a list of the applications I can't live without on my Macs right now, along with a short description and reason why I prefer them over others, in case.

Just consider that I'm mostly a roadie, and use Apple laptops 99% of the time, plus that I'm a keyboard freak, and only use the trackpad for web surfing.

I just felt like crediting these great apps which make my everyday Mac experience smoother and faster, and I also thought that some of you Mac lovers might want to dig my choices... And drop a comment by!

Afloat

There's a certain myth among some users who tend to think that transparency is cool and makes your desktop experience better. I don't agree in general, but I do think it's handy to see what's behind the frontmost window at times. Cmd+Ctrl+Up/Down Arrow is what Afloat is up to, and also allows you to keep the frontmost window on top of the others, which is also useful at times, with a simple Cmd+Ctrl+A.

Uses the rock-solid PlugSuit plug-in manager. Never caused any issue to me...

BuddyPop

Ok, maybe not useful if you have a 5-contact Address Book, but since mine has more or less 500 often-accessed entries, this discreet, dockless "Spotlight for Address Book" speeds up copying numbers and addresses a lot. Love it.

Default Folder X

This nifty app automatically fires up in open/save dialogs and lets me save the pain of wandering around in search of folders by offering favorite-folder and last-used keyboard shortcuts. It also has a nice preview bottom pane and even allows you to perform actions on files (compress in open/save dialogs!). A must-have for me.

LiteSwitch X

It's a shame that this application is not currently developed anymore (as far as I know). It is basically Application Switcher on steroids. No bells and whistles, just allows you to perform some extra actions on the applications shown (and running) like Quit, Force Quit, Hide Others, Show, Quit Selected. Also offers the ability to hide certain applications as well as showing background processes.

Quicksilver

Calling Quicksilver "an application launcher" might be called at least "oversimplification". This lets you not only navigate though your hard-drive, but also perform a whole lot of actions on a file or group of selected files with the help of an extensive list of plug-ins and triggers. For free.

MenuCalendarClock iCal

This is for iCal what BuddyPop is for Address Book. Times when I don't need to fire iCal up, MCC comes to the rescue, with a lot of useful features, at the press of a system-wide shortcut (I use a simple Alt+C).

Path Finder
Not much to say about this one. It simply makes the Finder turn pale with lack of handy features. Version 5 also sports a dual-pane browser, improved Bonjour support and a nicer UI. Not perfect but hey, is the Finder so?

PopCopy

Ok, there's a plethora of similar clipboard extension helpers out there, and this one is not even developed anymore (tear). Still this is my favorite: simple, discreet, fast even on older machines like my PoBo... Just what my minimalistic taste needs.

Spark

I use Spark mainly as an application launcher for the most common applications (read Mail, Camino, Adium...) but also - as much as it might sound sick - as an application switcher, assigning easy Ctrl+Letter -based system-wide shortcuts. I also trigger some Applescripts with it, such as one for toggling Bluetooth on and off or setting the screensaver kick-in time. Also handy for rebooting and shutting off the computer or starting the screensaver... A great essential piece of software.

Typinator

Saves me from the hassle of typing frequently-used signatures, phrases and links over and over. Love this one.

Off you go people with comments, suggestion and alternatives!