Today I purchased the MacUpdate Winter Bundle and have discovered a gem of a program in that bundle that definitely puts it over the top.

I give you: Socialite.

It is made by our friends at Realmac Software who I have been fond of since using Rapidweaver to quickly publish some standards compliant web pages while on a deadline.

But back to Socialite… Socialite has instantly replaced 2 applications and one “always open” tab on my browser. It incorporates several social networking services in a one window package.

This one window contains a sidebar which displays the various services you choose to use (Digg, Facebook, Flickr, Google Reader, RSS and Twitter are all available). Clicking on a particular service will bring all of that service’s updates to the main body of the window for your viewing pleasure. I, however, usually click the “Unread” button and let Socialite go out and get all my updates (you can set how often you want it to check) and present them to me in chronological order in the main window. This way, I don’t miss anything. Each service you subscribe to has expandable menus that if, for instance, you just want to read your main twitter account direct message, you can dial them up and not be bothered with everything else. The services also have an unread count badge that updates as new updates are downloaded and other updates have been read (the total unread count also displays as a badge on the Dock icon).

Socialite does not stop at just delivering you your updates. It also allows you to send out your own updates. You can post to Twitter, you can “Like” a Facebook post, you can also take a Facebook post you like and send it out as a Tweet, you can post a reply to a Facebook post, you can…. well you get the idea. Need to see that post directly in Facebook? Just double click the update in the main window and it opens a new tab in your default browser.

The main body of the window is also split horizontally to show you the RSS article or preview that you have chosen (see image below). If you need to see the entire article on the original site, it is just a click away. Socialite also boasts a built in photo viewer for Facebook and Twitter and Flickr images that have been shared. The preferences are extensive and make it possible to create the exact experience you are looking for. From Growl notifications to Appearance mods, Keyboard Shortcuts and more, you can make Socialite work the way you want it to.

I definitely encourage all Mac users that spend time using Facebook, Twitter, and RSS/Google Reader to get Socialite. It is a steal at $20.00 directly from the developer. The MacUpdate Winter Bundle at only $49.99 is also a great way to get this and 13 other Mac apps for one low price.

Cheers!!