here's a workaround for the screen-password issue

compile the following c-code (you will need xcode-tools) and call the programm "notif"

######################################
#include

int main(int argc, char ** argv)
{
CFMessagePortRef port = CFMessagePortCreateRemote(NULL, CFSTR);
CFMessagePortSendRequest(port, 500, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0);
CFRelease(port);
return 0;
}
######################################

than create an apple-script with the following code (remember to set the second part to the location you stored "notif" in)

######################################
do shell script "defaults -currentHost write com.apple.screensaver askForPassword -int 1 ;~/Library/Scripts/ScreenSaver/notif"
######################################

all you have to do now is, to tell Aurora to run that script on wake-up
the scrip itself will re-enable the screensaver-password but the change will not take place until the preferences are opened or the OS notified in another way (which is done by "notif")
maybe the Aurora-guys should come up with a similar solution, that doesn't require anyone to install xCode-Tools?

by the way: this is based on something I found on the internet. Just don't remember where. So don't credit me ;)

@critux: Aurora always repeats the playlist, even if it doesn't explicitly say so. I figured you wouldn't want to risk not waking up because of a too short playlist.

@metaquark: I tried as you suggested and Aurora keeps re-enabling it's menubar item, all by itself. Also Aurora needs the option to repeat the playlist.

@critux: I'm really sorry about this. If you have the password enabled and your Mac wakes up, it will go back to sleep when no password is entered. This is part of Mac OS X's security and especially that part is made to not be tampered with - in everyone's best interest. Aurora can't just enter your password, and it cannot prevent the Mac to go back to sleep - file a bug with Apple about this, as I cannot provide a solution other than automatically disabling the password if you wish.

What might help you keep your security up: Disable "Enable Alarms when Aurora isn't running" in Aurora's preferences. If that is not set, Aurora will re-enable the screen saver password on quit. That means you have to have Aurora running all night, and there will be no protection in that time, but as soon as you wake up, quit Aurora and head to work, your Mac will be safe again.

I'll only pay for this if they fixed the issue where I have to disable screensaver password protection.

That's the only issue which keeps me from thinking this alarm clock is 100% useful.

Yes, don't pay for this, because God forbid that diligent independent Mac software developers actually get compensated for their hard work...

/sarcasm

Don't buy this. Version 3 works just fine, google it. I use this every day and love it, but It's an alarm clock program, which is infinitely replaceable, so don't even think about paying for this. Big thumbs down to the developer for the donationware --> shareware switch.

Great program (v3) but unfortunately I won't be upgrading at the moment due to the change of licence and Leopard requirement. The developer should at least provide the latest v3 build under the old licence for those that don't need the feature bloat. Thanks for everything up to v3 though. :)

Not using iTunes has some drawbacks, but it has one big advantage: you can make it really reliable, which you can't using iTunes. This design decision has been taken in favor of reliability, as we believe this is the most important thing you want from an alarm clock. It might be possible to have AirTunes support in Aurora in the future, but I can't make any detailed promises right now.

good app, but it should play over airtunes like it used to..