Run this NeXTStep dock on OSX alongside Dock.app (German, translate) (khwbn.de)

can be used to switch to and launch apps but not hide them. builtin clock. I find the whole look, hidability, alignment and operation to be more power-user-friendly. Rearrange like tiles, adjust transparency.

There is also http://www.khwbn.de/MultiCubeDock/index.html