Yes, we have to be connected at all times.  We must be available when our client has a website issue, or just needs a quick fix, but it really can be a drag to lug around that 15″ MacBook Pro and related accessories when traveling.  Not saying that I don’t love the Beast, but it can weigh you down.

Recently, I finally succumbed to a MacBook Air.  I resisted for a long time because I thought the slower processor and lack of a CD/DVD drive as well as only 2 GB of RAM would cramp my style.  I had no idea how I would cram my files and programs onto such a small hard drive.

Well, I am pleased to report that the experience is beyond my expectations.  My Air has the following specs:

• Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 1066MHz frontside bus
• 2GB Memory
• 128GB solid-state drive
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics

The Pros

• The solid state drive is so speedy that programs open and close in an instant.
• It is tiny, and can fit into other bags when traveling.
• It is a sexy computer that is fun to use.

The Cons

• The small size of the hard drive was troubling.  No way to fit the iTunes Library.  I had to use VMWare Fusion with Windows so I could use my VPN and exchange email, and the smallest I could get the virtual machine down to was 38GB.
• No way to watch a DVD while traveling.
• No built in ethernet (there is an adapter) or SD card reader, and only one usb port.

I figured out a way to utilize this beauty and be extremely  happy with my purchase.  In my next post, I will tell you how I solved some of the dilemmas mentioned in the Cons, and what accessories and apps I use to stay connected.

I downloaded and tried Foxinni’s plugin, ThemeSmith, last week.  Wow, I was so impressed.  I have tried other gallery plugins, and none were this elegant or easy to customize.  In addition to photos, the plugin works for audio and video.  Best of all, it is free and according to Foxinni, “Web publishing should be simple and easy.”  Well, this plugin certainly gets us one step closer to that goal.

Check out this 3 minute gallery demo (includes installing plugin).  You will notice that the plugin works well with Slimbox 2 if you click to enlarge.

Before doing the upgrade, be sure to do these ten things:

1. Make a complete backup including your theme.
2. Perform any updates that WordPress notes to your plugins.
3. Check the compatibility of your plugins.  This site is useful as is this WordPress site.
4. Deactivate all plugins
5. Check the compatibility of your theme.  This site is useful.
6. If there are theme compatibility issues, check for fixes from the theme developer.
7. FTP the updated files (be sure you don’t overwrite customizations).
8. Perform the automatic update to 2.8 from within WordPress
9. Reactivate only the compatible plugins.
10. Check any plugins that were not listed as compatible or having known problems, by activating one at a time.

Of course you could always wait until 2.8.1 to be safe!