In their implementation, they used Java to run their stuff, so the result is that Konfabulator can be a bit CPU intensive to run. I didn't have quite the performance issues that another poster had, but running more than a couple of widgets did send my CPU usage soaring.
Konfabulator uses Javascript, not Java. CPU usage, like for any application, varies depending on what the application is doing. I can write an infinite loop that'll bring a system to its knees, but that doesn't mean that the system is flawed.
I disagree with the assertion that Apple stole the idea. Returning Desk Accessory function to OS X had always been on the development path. It was simply low enough on the priority list that it didn't get approval to be included until the pending OS release, Tiger.
Apple didn't just return Desk Accessories to the OS, they added a system that would let you run small "widgets" that are built using Javascript and a tagged page markup language designed so that mere mortals can create their own. Since Konfabulator was currently on the Mac OS doing the exact same thing with the exact same nomenclature, the appearance of Apple stealing the concept was inevitable (and IMO, justified).
For some reason, people seem to gloss over the authoring aspect of Konfabulator, which is where its real power lies, and is what Apple attempts to replicate with Dashboard.
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Konfabulator uses Javascript, not Java. CPU usage, like for any application, varies depending on what the application is doing. I can write an infinite loop that'll bring a system to its knees, but that doesn't mean that the system is flawed.
Apple didn't just return Desk Accessories to the OS, they added a system that would let you run small "widgets" that are built using Javascript and a tagged page markup language designed so that mere mortals can create their own. Since Konfabulator was currently on the Mac OS doing the exact same thing with the exact same nomenclature, the appearance of Apple stealing the concept was inevitable (and IMO, justified).
For some reason, people seem to gloss over the authoring aspect of Konfabulator, which is where its real power lies, and is what Apple attempts to replicate with Dashboard.