What do you use for Exposé?

I found out I was rarely using Exposé and resorting more to Command-Tab since the f9 key is somewhat hard to reach and my right hand is usually on the mouse. Unfortunately, it seems that OS X won't let me assign an arbitrary key combo (such as command-shift, or command-function, which would be great). I tried using the Option key; bad idea, of course. Using Command or Option + an F key does not solve the problem. I tried assigning the middle mouse button, and it worked like a charm, but I use it constantly when browsing the web... so I am confused. I am currently trying to assign a screen corner to it. What do you guys use/recommend?

 

Hrm, I just use f9 for it.
The screen corners do work, and it works pretty well. But I'm curious as to why it won't let you change the key combo to something like you want. I was able to get it to change to ctrl-shift-f9, so you should be able to do any other key combo that isn't being used.

 

Umm what do you mean you cannot assign an arbitrary key combo to it? Because it's working for me under System Pref>Keyboard and Mouse>Keyboard Shortcuts.
I have expose set to the additional mouse buttons on my MX518, so it's very easy for me to access Expose.

 

I have a screen corner, CTRL-F9, and the middle button on my Mighty Mouse set to activate Espose.

You can probram any ctrl/option/command/shift key combination (not already assigned for something else) just as Budding suggested.

If you have a multiple button mouse, you should be able to program that to invoke Expose. On my Mighty mouse I use the center button, but I can still scroll when surfing, and I could use the weird "side" button for Expose.

I would like Expose a lot better if it showed ALL windows and not just open ones (maybe there is a command for that but I have not noticed it yet) To keep my desktop uncluttered I like to keep mist windows closed and in the Dock, but it would be great if SHOW ALL would not just show the opened ones I can mostly see anyway.
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I have a mighty mouse connected to my MBP so I use the side buttons to do what F9 does, fits all windows on the screen.

 

I honestly never use Exspose. Maybe I should give it another shot.

 

I agree, at least an option to show all windows, including hidden and minimized would be welcome. As for Buddings suggestion, here is what I get: first, I can't assign say Command+SHIFT as I'd like, it has to be Command+SHIFT+a normal key. But I can live with that. I assigned Command-Z (bad idea I know) from the kb shortcuts prefs; then, when I look at Exposé prefs, it displays F1; but the F1 key doesn't actually activate Exposé, but Command-Z does. But, upon restarting - F1 activates Exposé and the Command-Z shortcut is gone!
I don't know if this is because Command-Z is already used to Undo, but it looks like a bug to me.

 

Have you tried assiging say Alt+Z or Ctrl+Z? Using Cmd+key is usually a very bad idea.

 

I am trying Command+SHIFT+Z now. ALT-Z or CTRL-Z are awkward to type quickly on the Macbook... that's why I wanted Cmd+ SHIFT, it is very easy to hit. But I still get "F1" displayed on the Exposé prefs... doesn't happen to you as well? If not, what version of OS X are you running?

 

Command shift z worked for me Wookie. When you double click the default key, it does select it properly right? And you can change other ones properly?

I'm using 10.4.8

 

just use the screen corners setting, can't get much easier than that.

the greatest thing about Expose is when you are working with Photoshop or a similar program with tons and tons of photos etc. open.

instead of having to arrange them all by your self you just use expose and find the one you need to work with.

 

Well, it worked for me... until I rebooted. Then F1 took over again. Apparently Exposé doesn't want to be activated by anything but the Fkeys... Have you rebooted and the combo still worked hollownail? I can change others just fine, and I am running 10.4.8 as well.

 

When I first started on my MBP I found that the expose was slowing me down due to having to go allll the way to the function keys (little things like this bother me)

I changed to the right shift key. works great and has really increased my productivity.

 

I think F9 is fine, but I never use Exposé anyway - I use virtual desktops to move between things instead.

 

Heh, I use both. I love virual desktops. The only problem is, sometimes things won't let you move them around. Like parallels. I have to tell it to go to every screen first, then go to the screen i want it on, then turn off all the other ones. A pain, but still a cool thing.

 

Hmm, which virtual desktop software are you using hollownail? I use Desktop Manager (as I posted about in the Mac Gems thread) and if I want to "move" something between the desktops because it didn't start in the one I wanted I just minimize the window to the Dock and maximize it on the desktop I want it to be.

Because what you describe at least sounds to me more like a problem with the virtual desktop software rather than the application itself. I never encountered anything that was reluctant at least

 

I'm using VirtuaDesktops. I've never tried minimizing them in the dock then maxamizing them in another windows. I also use command+alt+o to select what window it should go to. But only works sometimes :-/

I'll try that instead though.