We've previously mentioned locations managers like Location X ($20) and NetworkLocation ($15). These are tools that can change a variety of settings depending on your location (e.g. SMTP server, default printer, etc.). This is very convenient for mobile users moving between work and home, etc. MarcoPolo is a new entry in this category and adds a number of cool features that we haven't seen before, including "fuzzy logic" rules for setting the location based on matching a variety of different criteria (wifi network, IP address, etc.) and USB and Bluetooth support (as criteria). The USB detection is a great feature if, for instance, you have one model of mouse and/or keyboard at work, but use a different set a home.

Best of all, MarcoPolo, unlike most of the other utilities, is open source and a free download.

NetworkLocation is a handy utility that allows you to create templates of actions and settings based on (you guessed it) your network location. Like WiLMa and Location X before it, NetworkLocation can set up batches of settings to apply, apps to open and scripts to run, and keep them all accessible at the click of a mouse. It comes with preset actions, such as loading a specific iTunes playlist, setting system volume and connecting to a server, but it can also run AppleScripts, leaving the possibilities wide open. NetworkLocation does all this with a very slick and flashy UI; in fact, it might be too over-the-top for those who just want to get at the meat of automating their system. In fact, the UI is so glammed up that John Gruber had a hard time figuring out how to quit the app. Here's a tip if you're in the same boat, as there are two ways to do it: click on its menubar item, then click on the timer in the window that pops up, and then click the power button that slides out. You can also simply use cmd-q when that timer window comes in to focus. See what I mean about a funky UI?

Getting back to this concept of automating all forms of system settings - it's a great one, and I was first turned on to it by Location X (recently Universal-ized), which is still my favorite primarily because it handles all these tasks automatically in the background, based on which network(s) you connect to. There's no need to pop up a window and chose a location - you simply set up your batches of settings, and it gracefully performs your tasks automatically as you move between your home, work and favorite coffee shop's network.

But I digress (again) - this is a post about NetworkLocation, as it looks like a capable (though flashy) approach to network-based Mac automation. A demo is available, and a license costs $15.

If you're an iBook/PowerBook user who is constantly fiddling with various settings depending on where you are, point your mouse towards Location X for the solution to all your preference-changing woes. I only played with this for about 5 minutes before plunking down my $20 for it, as I am already in love. This app makes me cry out "why doesn't OS X do this already??" Then I realize I'm alone in my apartment right now, which just makes me feel weird.

Anyway, Location X is essentially a management app for all the various settings you might have to constantly set and reset, depending on which networks your Mac connects to throughout the day. For example: in between classes, I use wifi at Starbucks since all of the networks on my campus have most of their ports restricted. Well, Starbucks' wifi treats SMTP servers that require authentication in an odd way, so I'm constantly having to change my SMTP server when I sit down for a cup o' joe. But Location X, as you can see in my screenshot, can do so much more. Not only can this latest v2.5 do automatic network detection, it can set default printers, adjust energy settings, change browser homepages, run applescripts, change security preferences and so much more. It even has a plugin architecture, opening the doors for anyone else to build in even more settings and functionality.

I highly recommend this app for any of you mobile warriors out there who are tired of constantly adjusting settings like these, simply because you're on the go during the day. Location X is shareware which costs $20 (a bargain, if you ask me), while a demo that allows for 8 location switches is available here.