Existing users, log in.  New users, create a free account.  Lost password?

Mac OS X  |  Internet  |  Browsers  |  Saft  |  Limited Usability

Saft

Saft

Safari plugin: shortcuts, full screen, kiosk mode & more...

Version:  12.0.2

   [ Views: 108 ]

Limited Usability

Feedback Type:  Commentary

Contributed by: WhiteDog Saturday, September 26 2009 @ 04:33 AM PDT

Product Platform: MacOSX

Used Product For: Over One Year

Recommend Product: YES

It should be noted here - since it isn't mentioned on the Saft web site - that this version does not work in OS X 10.6.x in its traditional mode as an Input Manager plug-in. This is probably an issue with how Snow Leopard works and may, or may not, be resolved in the future. But it doesn't help that the developer can't be bothered to explain that the only way to get Saft to work in 64 bit mode (and hence with Safari in Snow Leopard) is to use the Saft app as a Safari launcher. It's not his fault if Saft is forced to work this way by changes in the operating system, but he is culpable for not explaining this to us before we plunk down $15 for the new version.

I paid for it anyway because I am tired of going to the History menu every time I launch Safari to open the tabs from my previous session - and there is no knowing if Glims (which also opens previous tabs, among other things) will ever be updated for 10.6, given that it is a volunteer project distributed for free. The developers there have posted nothing on their web site to let us know either way.

All that said, this version of Saft is a beta and the Input Manager capability may be restored eventually - assuming it is even possible. In the meantime, it's no real hardship to replace Safari in the Dock with Saft - except that the Dock is just that much more crowded when Safari is running.

The point is well taken, though, that, beyond periodic updates for compatibility with new versions of Safari and the Mac OS, Saft has gained no features to enhance its value. In the meantime, Glims is cutting its water by providing many of the same functions and a good deal more, and that for free (and for voluntary donations). Saft has been a reliable product over the years but the developer should be wary of resting on his laurels. There is competition now for his market share and if he doesn't start trying harder to improve his product, he risks losing his customer base to younger, more energetic developers.   

1 of 1 users found this helpful.

Rate this Commentary

Was this Commentary helpful? Yes | No

Comments

2 comments |

Limited Usability - PSmith

Glims has had a 64-bit beta version out for a while now:
<http://www.rapidfind.org/upload/showthread.php?p=1007909>
I've been happily using it since it was released.

Reply to This

Tuesday, September 29 2009 @ 11:50 AM PDT


Limited Usability - morepowerfulastronaut

Glims often has little information on its website. However, becoming a fan of Glims for Safari on Facebook will allow you access to pre-release builds as well as information on the status of new versions of Glims. They had info and development builds posted there for weeks before the official release of 1.0b21

Reply to This

Tuesday, September 29 2009 @ 05:43 PM PDT