Of course this reinforces the argument in favor of Apple offering the feature as a standard preference. Right now, a restart or log out will restore the Dock to its stock position. Of course you can click to minimize the Control Strip too, so it's a wash. Apple offers some with Mac OS X, such as Displays. Third parties are finding it easy to roll their own, including one that can remind you when it's time to take a rest from your keyboard.
Movies can still play while in the Dock.
No doubt some of you will weigh in with compelling arguments to make the Dock work better and restore functions to the Apple menu. If you have a better idea, feel free to post a message in our online forums . It was one of Apple's worst-kept secrets, its plan to open a chain of retail stores to show just what the Mac shopping experience should be like, and to gain market share. I think their growth absolutely depends on their ability to lure Wintel users from the Wintel platform, and hopefully that's what their new retail strategy will do, put Macs in the face of a larger audience. The stores will feature Apple's own products, plus a choice selection of third party hardware and software in airy, spacious surroundings featuring wide aisles and a large projection TV for special product presentations.