For nearly two years working Mac App Store. He changed a lot. There was a shop with a huge assortment, where the user does not seek to Nadur, shove, fool. By purchasing one program, you own it forever. Bought a new Mac? Simply enter in the App Store with your Apple ID and its re-install all the software, not recalling registration data, without wasting time on the input keys and activation. Just works.
But there is a MAS and severe restrictions, which is why many developers prefer to get away from it. And indeed, in the MAS software it is becoming easier, and most of the range - trinkets.
Fortunately, OS X - is not a closed platform and an alternative Mac App Store there.
Bodega
Bodega even older Mac App Store: Store started its work in 2009. Oh, we launch told. Alas, all these three years, the store is practically not developed.
Bodega concept remains the same. Users download the client software, Bodega.app, which provides access to a directory of paid and free software. The range of applications is inferior MAS, but little of his call still can not. There are many programs that the official Apple store there due to restrictions "sandbox."
Bodega is able to track updates download programs, in addition there wishlist - list "hotelok". Alas, but Bodega does not solve the main problem: the purchase application process is much more complicated than in MAS. In fact, Bodega redirects the user to the purchase page of the program on the official website. So you have to enter your card details over and over again.
HackStore
This project has learned from a popular blog TUAW. Authors HackStore say they strive to create an analogue of the Cydia, but for the Mac.
The range in the shop is not very big. Basically, open source tools and applications. The recommendations MacVim, TotalTerminal and Boxer (DOS-run games on the Mac). Ekslyuzivov valuable finds or does not find it.
Visually HackStore if copied from the Mac App Store. But only realized worse. There are comments, but there is no application ratings. In general, the benefits of HackStore I think not. So that the project site is powered by WordPress free template does not increase confidence.
Steam
Steam - an alternative to the gaming section Mac App Store. Shop appeared long before epplovskogo (third-party games were sold in 2005, the year, and the project itself has a history since 2002), even the Mac-version appeared earlier.
Now Steam - one of the largest digital stores. It is full of "exclusives" that the Mac App Store, you simply will not find. Of course, it is primarily their own games - Counter Strike, Left 4 Dead, Team Fortress, but there are hits and third-party developers.
A lot of it is important to both: to the Russians many games the incentive cheaper. For example, Call of Duty: Black Ops there costs only 800 rubles, and in the MAS - 1690. Sid Meier's Civilization V - Gods and Kings: 249 rubles against 649.
In fairness, I note that the incentive for a reduced price sold localized games. Those. there probably can not be the original voice. In the MAS, as I can judge, the international versions are placed.
On the side of Steam is another plus - with the release of a game update or supplement, you do not have to download the whole game again. The Mac App Store more difficult. Fixed a bug developer - swing a couple of gigs again.
MacGameStore
Online shop, existing since 2005. At the same time recalls and Steam, and Mac App Store. Specialized only for Mac games. To work need to install special client. for prices MacGameStore virtually identical to the MAS. And talk about the project would not make sense if it were not for two "chips". MacGameStore he checks to see if your Mac system requirements for the game. In my vzglyal, MAS'u and Steam'u cost was also checked automatically. User not matter - the computer to compare the characteristics and requirements of the game.
The second interesting point - MacGameStore allows you to issue pre-order the game. Win-win technique: Users are able to save money (usually pre-order is cheaper), and developers begin to earn more before the game). The incentive is also this model works.
Online retailers
Another MAS alternative - a "traditional" online retailers. That they can buy a heavy software, which is due to various reasons are not placed in the Mac App Store. Any specific names of companies to call do not see sense - software vendors just darkness. And one thing unites them: work on the principle of "sell and forget".
If you have problems or want to re-install the application, but lost key / registration, contact the developer will have. This means a minimum of lost time.