Windows Desktop Enhancements That Don't Look Like OS X

Swiss Gnomie Norman A. Jienez writes:

Hello Chris,

I started watching your streaming video a few weeks ago; it’s very entertaining and helpful. When I’m at work and have some spare time, or before I go to work, I leave your stream on to see what you’ve got to say. When it comes to Windows desktop enhancements, I couldn’t help noticing that you always mention about how Windows users want to use apps (in most cases) to make their desktop look like the UI found in OS X. I’ve seen some really nice enhancements that are pretty neat and don’t resemble OS X! Here are some examples of the ones I personally use:

CubeDesktop: This one resembles mostly the way CompizFusion works with Windows and Virtual Desktops.

PersonalDesktop V2: (Sorry, only in German) This one is one of my favorites since it integrates Outlook, RSS feeds and other stuff directly to my desktop. Even though the site is in German, the screenshots there show pretty much what the app can do.

Enso: Most people use Launchy, I got used to this one and it works for me pretty good.

Well, those are my 3 apps I use to help me in my everyday stuff. How about other stuff that doesn’t look OS Xish? Could you give me (and of course the community) pointers on where to get tools such as these? Maybe some personal favorites? I’d love to hear some advice from you and the chat room people.