Docktopus

Docktopus is a Mac OS X Dock enhancement that gives you instant access to useful information and powerful new commands through your Dock icons. Similar to the way Apple Mail uses a badge to display the number of unread messages from its Dock icon, Docktopus allows you to overlay custom badges on your Dock icons. An application`s CPU and Memory usage, a folder`s contents, new messages waiting in a specific Mail account and available disk space are just a few examples of the kinds of data Docktopus badges can display.

In addition, Docktopus can be configured to display a Launcher badge on any or all Dock icons. This badge acts as a pop-up menu and can run QuicKeys Shortcuts and Automator Workflows. Recently opened files and user-defined collections of files and folders can be added to this pop-up menu making the Dock a more powerful companion in your daily work.

How does it work?
Docktopus allows you to place objects called "badges" onto four hot spots overlaying each of your Dock icons. Simply drag a desired badge onto the corner of a Dock icon; the chosen corner now displays the new badge whenever that icon appears in the Dock. Certain badges can be assigned universally (such as the Item Size or CPU Meter) to automatically appear on any or all application icons that are in the Dock. There are also application-specific badges designed to enhance applications through their Dock icons, such as the iTunes Control badge which supplies current track info and allows you to control iTunes right from the iTunes Dock icon.

What can Docktopus do for me?
Docktopus makes your Dock more versatile by adding a layer of helpful information through badges that you choose and configure as you see fit. Imagine your hard drive icon displaying a pie chart of free disk space or viewing your daily iCal Events directly from a Dock icon. Docktopus lets you get information and control your applications right from where you work every day, your Dock.