I'm creating an inspector panel in my app, and as the Apple HIG are a
bit vague on the subject, I wanted to ask if there is a general
consensus on what the interface should look like.  For a multi-paned
inspector window with changing content, the standard is to have small
icons at the top of the window in a bar with the selection denoted by
the standard control focus color.  This is the case in Interface
Builder, Preview, Numbers, etc.  I've implemented this without too
much difficulty.

The Finder's Get Info window, while not exactly an inspector since the
contents don't dynamically update with selection changes, is similar
in functionality but has expandable sections instead of dynamic panes.
 I've noticed that windows like this have varying UIs: Microsoft Word
has one idea (http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/733/picture1zbi.png),
Interface Builder has another
(http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/9014/picture2bvm.png), and the Finder
yet another (http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/5106/picture3atw.png).

I've been struggling to decide on the best interface for a window like
this.  Normally I would just follow Apple's lead, but I don't like the
Finder's design- I don't feel that it distinguishes itself from a
normal window clearly enough.  I've come up with two possible
alternatives: (http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/4138/inspectors.png).

I'd be curious to hear what others have done, and reactions to both my designs.

Stephen