Using OS X I got used to <a href="http://quicksilver.blacktree.com/">Quicksilver</a> as a launcher and much more... Is there something comparable for Ubuntu/Gnome?
Quicksilver-like application
Archived thread 12307 from Apple PPC Users. Markdown source: Apple_PPC_Users/thread_12307_Quicksilver-like_application.md
This program is only a few days old as far as I know so it's probably nowhere near Quicksilver, but worth a look all the same.
http://micke.hallendal.net/gnome-launch-box/
Haven't tried it yet, gonna give it a go now though.