I tried Animation Desk in OS 10.7 (Lion) when it first came out, but it kept freezing and crashing at startup. So, I couldn't even make a determination about the program.
I am happy to say that the new version's amount of startup crashes (although still present) is less frequent than before. I'm still on OS 10.7 Lion, but this new version actually allows me to test the software. I have determined that I do like the program and I think the price is amazing. So, I will probably add it to my arsenal of animation and drawing applications.
Pros:
1) Price
2) Amazingly beautiful interface is one of a kind and very soothing to my eyes.
3) Fantastic brush stroke results on the coloring/drawing/painting tools.
4) Color swatch layout is unique and reminds me of the lipstick pots I used as a makeup artist.
5) Full screen mode gives a better view of user options.
6) When I quit and restart the app, it comes up where I left off.
Cons:
1) Hovering over an icon gives no clue to what it does until you actually click on it.
2) Paint color options are limited and don't give the usual Mac color wheel and slider variations.
3) Occasional crashing at startup and mid project is somewhat bothersome.
4) It hogs the entire desktop with no way to dock it, or bring other windows in front of it.
5) What appears to be shapes, is stamps with a window that has no close tab (unless I quit).
6) Initially, full screen isn't easy to get out of, until one realizes that one must hover top screen.
7) There is no close option. To close, one must save, quit, or/and restart the app.
8) I still haven't figured out how to trace over an onion skin, because I have yet to find it.
9) It doesn't have arc, line, and shape options, but many others don't have that either.
10) Blending colors does not give a blended result. It gives one color painted over the other.
11) I cannot make old projects delete from the project manager window.
I know the cons list is long, but all in all, this app has marvelous potential. Unfortunately, it is obvious that the creator is not a Mac user. My other animation apps are a bit more Mac friendly. However, I won't allow that to stop me from purchasing the app in the very near future (I'm still in trial mode - again).
I didn't purchase it before, because I couldn't try it and no one responded to my inquiries at the app creator's website. Perhaps some of the issues will disappear and I may receive a response once the app is purchased and not in trial mode.
In conclusion, the biggest thing this app MUST add (unless I just haven't found it yet) is the "onion skinning" feature for tracing over existing frames. It simply isn't a complete animation tool without an "onion skinning" feature. Although it may not be for professionals, and there are more Mac friendly animation apps available, none of them are this price. For now, it is more a drawing app than anything, but it is worth the $10 price.