While there are quite a few choices in terms of torrent applications for Linux and Windows the same was not - until recently - true for Mac OS X. Sure, there was Azureus [since it's written in Java] and the official bittorrent client, but personally I wanted something a bit more that still manages to have a small overall system footprint. So I went to see what's out there. VersionTracker gave me two choices, Google two more and after briefly using all of them I have a few thoughts.

• BitRocket


• Xtorrent


• Transmission


• Tomato Torrent

BitRocket is the best one. Despite being at version 0.1 the program is pretty usable [it is actually the one I settled on], I have not had it crash or freeze yet. There are definitely quite a few issues out there, nothing to massively impair use but my impression is that by version 1.0 this thing will be rock[et]ing. It seems to have quite the appropriate level of detail and configuration options that do not require a degree to understand [not that Azureus is that hard, but I am estimating this in terms of general usability.] Low footprint and great response time which is something that Azureus lacks - and which is, in the end, what prompted my looking for something new. It can look at RSS feeds and search TorrentSpy, Pirate Bay and a few other networks.

Xtorrent comes from the creator of Acquisition, which is an interface to P2P networks. I have read some negative reviews regarding this developer - especially answering to e-mails from customers - but since I did not interact at all with him I cannot pass judgement beyond that. Xtorrent is in public beta for now but it will be shareware. It is simple and minimal but I wish it offered a bit more control over what you do with it.

Both Transmission and Tomato Torrent are small and light but, again, too small for my needs. They have basic controls and little information regarding what you are downloading, setting preferences etc.

I will probably begin to be more actively involved in BitRocket in any way I can, because I truly believe this is going the be for Mac OS X what µtorrent is for the Windows environment.

bittorrent
technology
applications

So the new iTunes is out. It has some minor visual changes which do look good and additional sections for the Library that make sense, such as Movies and TV Shows - since Apple is now providing [most of] those through IMS.

Upon re-scanning my collection it is now [still] performing a 'Gapless Reduction' thing, I assume to calculate silence at beginning/end of tracks for cross-fades etc. The IMS now also contains album artwork - I am uncertain whether only for music bought on there or generally, but since I don't have an account set-up I will refrain from testing this right away. Certainly someone will do it soon enough.

In terms of new video content, the update to QuickTime 7.1.3 must be applied as well but that requires a reboot and I don't want to waste my precious uptime on that :)

Anyway, I'm sure there's more features to discover and enjoy. Oh, is it only me or CD Text support is new as well? Cheers!

Apple
iTunes