Safari Extensions - The Hidden Powers of Safari

Safari Extensions are not as well known as Google Chrome Extensions, but they are every bit as useful. A browser extension is a little script wrapped up into a button or toolbar that adds extended functionality to your browser. Go to https://extensions.apple.com to peruse the many available extensions.

Three that I would recommend:

1) AdBlock -- Blocks most advertisements on websites. With the click of the toolbar button, you can add safe domains and ensure you see ads on a particular site.

2) ClickToFlash -- I hate Flash. It sucks up CPU power, and drains laptop batteries. ClickToFlash disables all Flash elements on a particular page and leaves you with a little "Flash" button in the middle if you choose to enable a Flash element. You can also add websites to your "whitelist" so they always display Flash.

3) Print Plus -- Anyone coming from Windows and Internet Explorer loves the "Print Selection" option, which is mysteriously missing in Safari. Add this extension and it's back, but with a twist--you can select individual elements to print on a page. Simply press the toolbar button and start clicking on the page elements you want to print.

One more for developers and designers:

Coda Notes -- Clicking the toolbar button on the page brings up a sort of "annotation toolbar" allowing you to highlight areas on a web page, add sticky notes, draw lines around things, and even edit the text of the webpage itself. This could be useful in giving feedback to a programmer/developer or designer.

New Features iOS 4, WiFi on iPhone 3G working again

Many iPhone OS 4 (now iOS) changes have already been seen, but a few may have not, and seem to be new additions. Also, many may be aware of the myriad reports of WiFi not working on the iPhone 3G for many users. I was one of those... and today, after upgrading, it seems to be mysteriously working again, as noted by the WiFi icon in the screenshots.

Gmail calendars can now be synced easily from within iOS 4.

Calendars selection screen shows the available calendars.

Unified inboxes, which many have already seen. The icons next to my two accounts are new (to me at least).

Grouping icons into folders. I was under the impression that this feature would not be available for the iPhone 3G. Nonetheless, after upgrading, several apps were already grouped into a Utilities folder.

Snow Leopard build 10A380 was released to developers at the 2009 WWDC.

Recently, build 10A394 was released via Software Update to developers.

This most recent build includes Dock Exposé and the new Quicktime X interface.

New iPhone OS 3.0 Features [Slideshow]

Click on any photo to see the original size in Picasa.

iPhone 3.0 UDID Activation

There are posts flying around all over the internet about getting your UDID registered to install the 3.0 beta software on your iPhone. I can help you once and for all. Send me a message and I can add your UDID to my Developer account for $5. I have 20 spots left so hurry up!

Burn CD or DVD in Mac OS X

Here's a simple tutorial on how to burn a CD or DVD in Mac OS X using the Finder.  This method allows you to burn discs without having to buy additional software.

Update on MacBook Pro disaster

After the disaster of dropping my MacBook Pro, I had to do something to fix it.  I knew I wouldn't be able to do much cosmetically, but functionally I can now close the lid again without resistance and I can't see the internals of the notebook anymore.

The repair process began by removing the upper case (which in itself can be quite a challenge to the average user). After that I began my work with a small screw driver and a hammer.  I wasn't too delicate because the damage had already been done and I just wanted a useable computer.  I popped out the corner as best I could and tried to reshape it with the hammer.

I did my best on the LCD/lid.  It was considerably more difficult considering I didn't take the lid apart to get at the damage.

As you can see there's still a lot of damage but it's a lot better than it was.  Now I can close it without resistance and there's not a gaping crevasse into the innards of the MBP.