For years now, I have been highlighting the best Firefox add-ons out there for you all to check out and use, if needed.  However, not often do I go that extra mile to help you replace an add-on that I don’t think is that handy to have.  Amazingly enough, ImTranslator is an add-on that have enjoyed a lot of popularity (3,875,310 downloads to be exact) however I think there is a better solution out there, that doesn’t even need an add-on for Firefox to be used.

One of the reasons I do not like ImTranslator is it looks junky.  It is riddled with advertisements, such I understand is great for when it comes to making money – however, I don’t think they serve a purpose inside of a Firefox add-on. Now, let us move on to what I think you should use instead.

What Replaces ImTranslator?

Just bookmark the Google Translate web site.  I have been using Google Translate for many years to help translate text and it has never let me down.  While the translations are not perfect (no translation tool ever is) it does the closest job, from what I have seen.  To use it, all you have to do is copy and paste the text you wish to translate, select what language it is in, what language you want to translate to, and then hit the button labeled, “Translate”.

By using Google Translate instead of ImTranslator, you not only save clutter from your Firefox add-on installs, but you also gain access to one of the best free translation tools out there today. Using the tools they provide, you can also get a bookmarklet that does a one-click translation of any web site into the language you wish to read.

So, let me know what you think.  Is Google Translate a suitable replacement for ImTranslator or do you think ImTranslator is still a better translating solution?

At this time Nodobe support 38 different file format:

Adobe PDF:
pdf

Microsoft Office:
doc, docx, rtf, xls, xlsx, ppt, pptx

Images:
png, jpg, gif, tif, bmp, ppm, xpm

Vector Graphics:
eps, ras

Text Files:
txt

OpenOffice:
odt, odf, ott, odg, odp, stw, sxw, std, sxd, sti, sxi, sxc

StarOffice:
sda, sdd, sdw, vor

OpenDocument:
otg, stp, ods, pts

You can pick up the Nodobe Viewer on its official web site or the Firefox Add-ons web site.  Free yourself from Adobe, and give it a shot today.  Also if you know of anymore Adobe Reader alternatives, be sure to share!

Silvermel

I have been using Silvermel since RC2 of Firefox 3 and it is still possibly my top favorite when it comes to Firefox 3 theme alternatives.

Phoenity Reborn

Continuing the “phoenity” line of themes, this newest “reborn” creation has a well deserved spot on this list too.

Classic Compact

I know there are always minimalistic fans out there, so couldn’t leave them out.  Classic Compact is the best little theme you’ll ever get.

CrystalFox Modern

Updated for Firefox 3, CrystalFox is another favorite old theme that has made the jump to the newest version of Firefox.

StrataStripe

Want to mix the old with the new?  This theme mixes the best from the Strata theme and Winstripe to make one heck of a nice combonation.

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According to Lifehacker, it will continue to be supported for Firefox 2 through 2008 but there are no plans to bring it over to Firefox 3. 

For those of you who want to continue to use Firefox 2, we’ll maintain support for old versions of Google Browser Sync through 2008. After that, we can recommend a few other products that scratch a similar itch. We hope that one of them works for you:

Mozilla Weave [labs.mozilla.com] from Mozilla Labs—Offers bookmark and history synchronization across computers.

Google Toolbar for Firefox [toolbar.google.com]—Store your bookmarks online and access them from any computer online.

Foxmarks Bookmark Synchronizer [addons.mozilla.org]—Synchronizes your bookmarks across all computers where it is installed.

Here is some more coverage of the sad event:

• Google Browser Sync To Be Discontinued
• Google Ditches Browser Sync Extension for Firefox 3
• Google discontinues Google Browser Sync

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust – another fine extension has bit the big one.

+ Post Your Mac-related Firefox Feedback!

Now this is no official means of support, but if I know the Firefox crew they will love to hear the feedback no matter where it is posted or how it gets to them.