Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Gary King

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jun 14, 2004
495
1
Does Safari have keyword search feature? Such as typing in 'g query' to search for 'query' on Google? in the address bar, just like in Firefox.

I'm thinking of getting a Mac Mini, but my browsing experience on one is crucial. Right now, I'm on WinXP with Firefox and about 30 extensions that are all important to me.

Also, is Safari comparable to Opera? I've used Opera before - it has lots of eye candy, fancy features and such, but I like my Firefox because it is very extensible. Also, I am a web developer so I really need it.
 
By default, no. However, there is an absolutely astoundingly good app called AcidSearch that adds this feature and more to Safari.

I'm sorry I can't answer the Opera question, but I'm not particularly experienced with it. Firefox and Opera are both available for OS X, however, and they both work very well. In fact, Firefox for OS X is considered to be better than Safari by many people, so don't limit yourself to just Safari because it's the default browser.
 
Gary King said:
Does Safari have keyword search feature? Such as typing in 'g query' to search for 'query' on Google? in the address bar, just like in Firefox.
Safari has a Google searchbar in the toolbar. Much like FireFox, well Firefox for Mac anyway. There are also third party apps available that will allow you to use Yahoo!, IMDb, etc etc.

Gary King said:
I'm thinking of getting a Mac Mini, but my browsing experience on one is crucial. Right now, I'm on WinXP with Firefox and about 30 extensions that are all important to me.
You are aware that Firefox is available on Mac as well right? I'm sure most of the extensions will be as well.

Gary King said:
Also, is Safari comparable to Opera? I've used Opera before - it has lots of eye candy, fancy features and such, but I like my Firefox because it is very extensible. Also, I am a web developer so I really need it.
You really need what? What features are you dependent on? Comparable in what way?

I have to admit I'm slightly confused as to what the crux of the issue is.
 
Get firefox. Install plug-ins (Google the GrApple Brushed theme). Then, FF looks like this... and is pretty freaking sweet. As well as being the super-extensible browser you're used to.
 
For the Safari/Opera thing, you said you're a web developer, so from that standpoint, no, they are definitely not like each other. I've run into plenty more bugs in Opera than Safari, and personally, it's easier to code and fix things for Safari than for Opera, since Opera isn't generally used as much as Safari.
-Chase
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.