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Firefox 3 Can't Come Soon Enough
I've been a Firefox for Mac user for many years, and before that Mozilla and Netscape. I stuck with Mozilla, despite the release of Safari, because I'd using it for email since Netscape Messenger.
Even after switching to Apple's Mail, Firefox remained my primary browser. I must admit that I had become hooked on several plugins , especially Web Developer and Firebug. Sure, I know that Safari is zippier and offers alternatives to several Firefox plugins, but that didn't matter. I kept telling myself "You know all the keystrokes, why switch?" I've disabled Firebug for mail.google.com and looked for tips to speed things up. Alas there only seem to be Firefox optimization hacks for Windows.
Over the past few months I've started to admit that I have a problem. I shouldn't have to sacrafice features for performance. GMail shouldn't load at a snails pace and my CPU doesn't exist to be at Firefox's beckon call.
I'll give Firefox one more chance. The latest Firefox 3 beta is peppier, but Web Developer and Firebug are not yet available to truly test v3. I don't particularly like the Aqua form controls that are now the norm in version 3.
Leave a comment if you have any Mac Firefox optimization tips or wish to share your FF performance woes.
Comments
One Note on Gmail Snappiness
I've been using Fluid as a single site browser (SSB) for Gmail and it's been outstanding. The snappiness of Safari (it's built on webkit) operating as a standalone application. I've found it extremely dependable since I can either hide it or tuck it away in a separate Space (on Leopard).
Haven't embraced SSBs yet
I've opted to set up Gmail IMAP access in Apple Mail. It's worked well. I just can't get all that excited about SSB's yet. I'm already running enough apps, don't need any more.
Fair Enough
I already have two distinct sets of mail-related keyboard shortcuts to memorize (Outlook & Gmail). I just can't embrace another set so I'll stick to the web interface, myself. :-)
FFb3 just released. New
FF3b3 just released. New theme is very nice but after installing Firebug and seeing the crazy speed increase in Webkit, Safari's looking a little better everyday.
Firebug on FF3
Hey man -
I just read something yesterday that said there _is_ a version of Firebug ready for FF3. http://ajaxian.com/archives/firebug-11-and-getfirebugcom.
Might be worth checking it out. Interesting that you wrote about this. I meant to upgrade to FF3 last night. I've been trying to use Safari because if its "zippiness", but can't get past losing the extensions (Safari's aren't worth a damn and they're more hacks than extensions, IMO). Particularly Firebug and Greasemonkey.
Thanks Rob! I'll go get it today.
Web developer's the one I use more than any other with Firebug being a close second. I must say that the element inspector in Safari 3 provides better attribute data for each element than Web Developer. I also like search term highlighting in Safari.
Installing FF2 & FF3 Side-by-Side
FWIW, this is how I was (and am) planning to do it...
http://ejohn.org/blog/sexy-firefox-3/
There's also a portable version, it would seem, at http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/firefox_portable/test
Ya, that's what I did
Just rename FF3beta before moving it to the Applications folder.
Optimized builds
Have you tried builds optimized for your mac?
I've been using Linux mostly these days but
http://www.beatnikpad.com/archives/2007/10/19/firefox-2007
was better for me than the "stock" one. Theres multiple options for form controls too.. :)
I'll give it a try
Thanks!
Actually...
Fickle me. The fact that Neil provides those builds is awesome, but I think I'll just wait till FF 3 goes gold. I see that Chris Pederick is working updating Web Developer for Firefox 3.
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