I finally got this one going today - I too really like the pop up box and love that you could put blocks in there if you want..not that I probably would but a great addition! The student version is an excellent additon.
I am not crazy about the cog icon and like Chris' tab especially as it is always there for them...I find myself still get a little confused when the left column is visible but that is probably because I have docked my admin menu for years so naturally look over that way when I need to find any sort of setting!