Google Documents has added a fullscreen editing mode to the “View” menu on individual documents, a convenience previously available only through a Greasemonkey script. Combined with Firefox 3′s serious fullscreen capabilities and GDocs’ fixed-width page view, it lets you turn the online office suite into a no-distraction writing environment—provided you can resist popping open another tab with Ctrl+T. It’s worth noting that Zoho Writer has a similar “Maximize editor” function, but it’s not as severe as Google Docs’ nothing-but-white implementation. Google Docs in Full Screen [Google Operating System]
Do-it-yourselfer leevonk wanted a simple way to carry and amplify an iPod—and did it by constructing an iPod “boombox” out of Tupperware, old computer speakers, and styrofoam. In short you need small computer speakers which are either battery-powered, or don’t require a wall outlet. Fit them into dollar store Tupperware (which has all the right holes cut out with a dremel) and drop the iPod in. Styrofoam keeps the whole kit snug. The end result isn’t the prettiest thing in the world, but it’s sure to be a conversation starter at the picnic or beach. Tupperware iPod Boombox [Instructables]
Microsoft will begun pushing out version 4.0 of Windows Search, the OS-wide indexing system for Vista and XP users, via Windows Update in late July. If you’re keen to get the new version before it hits Windows Update, which claims improved performance (especially on indexing of open email inboxes), you can grab a copy here. However, there’s two potential challenges: it’ll need to rebuild your whole index, which might cause system problems (though Microsoft claims any foreground activity will pause the indexing); and it won’t happen until you reboot. If you’ve been there, done that and found Windows Search 4.0 a boon or a bore, let us know in the comments.Reminder – Windows Search 4 coming to WU soon… [Microsoft Product Update Team Blog]
While we’re still waiting on an official response from Vodafone over the ever-growing confusion surrounding its iPhone plans, not everyone is sticking with the official carriers. Joseph Hanlon at ZDNet Australia reports on forum postings from MacTalk.com.au detailing how enthusiasts have managed to plug a 3 SIM card into an iPhone and get it working, though the process requires flashing the phone and isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you’ve successfully got your iPhone working with its non-native carrier, let’s hear about it in the comments. [MacTalk via ZDNet Australia]
Most everyone seems to love the iPhone, but the same can’t be said for Apple’s MobileMe service, which has performed so badly at launch that the company even issued an uncharacteristic apology. If MobileMe is driving you nuts, or you just don’t fancy the annual service fee, blogger Beau Giles outlines how you can get similar results using NuevaSync and Google’s mail service. The setup process looks a trifle fiddly, but there’s step-by-step instructions, and it could be the solution to your mail, calendar and contact syncing woes — and hey, it’s free.Using Google as a *free* MobileMe alternative (with push contacts & calendar) [Good News for People That Love Bad News]
Lots of publishers and developers are pushing their content onto the iPhone, but not everything necessarily takes advantage of the format. Travel publisher Lonely Planet’s audio phrasebooks are a logical inclusion however, including both written and pronounced versions of common phrases in 10 different language versions. The phrasebooks are selling for $12.99, but as an Olympic promotion you can download the Mandarin version for free until August 24. [Lonely Planet]
Free, open-source boot disk utility Darik’s Boot and Nuke (DBAN) automatically and completely deletes the content of every hard disk it can find on your computer when you run it. Sure you can fire up DBAN for emergency system wipes next time the feds come knocking on your door, but it’s also a useful tool for protecting yourself from identity theft when you’re prepping your computer for recycling or sale. The bootable DBAN can run from CDs, DVDs, thumb drives, and floppy disks. If you’re just looking to securely delete single files and folders (as opposed to entire drives), check out previously mentioned Wipe File. Darik’s Boot and Nuke [SourceForge via Hackosis]
If you’re using the new iGoogle since we took you on a screenshot tour and showed you how to enable it, you’ve now got a robust, full screen version of Gmail in iGoogle. Back when we toured the new iGoogle, we told you that full screen gadgets were coming but not yet available. Now the Gmail gadget can go full screen, and it looks and feels very much like regular old Gmail. You can read, compose, and archive email just as you would from Gmail (no labelling yet). Likewise, RSS feeds now look and feel very much like Google Reader.
Windows only: Free application Xrecode converts your audio files from popular formats to any of the same formats. While it may not have the complexity and advanced features of previously mentioned MediaEncoder Audio Edition, it’s also less complicated to use—just drag files you want to convert into Xrecode, choose the output format, and get started. Xrecode also sets itself apart with smart options for splitting audio by CUE files or by silence—perfect for quickly splitting large audio files, like your vinyl-to-MP3 conversion. Xrecode is freeware, Windows only.
Xrecode [via FreewareGenius]At some point, anyone who’s interested in personal growth and productivity has to ask him or herself: What the heck am I doing with my life, anyway? It’s a big scary question, one that’s easily avoided by checking out the coolest new Firefox extension instead. But if you’ve decided to tackle the beast, reader William Mize recommends a free ebook entitled What Do You Want to Do With Your Life?. The 136 page PDF is a workbook for creating your life plan. Mize says:
