ExtraBITS for 23-Feb-09

XRoad’s Map Apps Boast Turn-by-Turn GPS Directions — Despite the belief that Apple wouldn’t allow turn-by-turn directions in an iPhone app, the recently released version 1.2 of XRoad’s G-Map U.S. West and G-Map U.S. East adds that feature. Unfortunately, still absent are voice prompts, which XRoad attributes to Apple’s prohibitive policies. The two apps, covering the eastern and western halves of the United States, are $19.99 each. (Posted 2009-02-19)

Search the Web without a Browser — Still launching a Web browser every time you need to do a quick Web search? There may be other, quicker ways to get the information you need, as Joe Kissell explains in this Macworld article. (Posted 2009-02-18)

Improve Your Google Searches — If you’re using Google to search the Web and not finding the results you’re looking for, you may just need to refine your searches a bit. In this Macworld article, Joe Kissell provides some Google search tips. (Posted 2009-02-18)

Go Beyond Google Searches — Believe it or not, there are other (and sometimes more effective) ways to find information on the Web than using the Google search box built into your browser. Joe Kissell explores some of the interesting alternatives in this Macworld article. (Posted 2009-02-17)

Mobile Web Usability Stinks — Let’s be real. Browsing the Web on a mobile phone, even an iPhone, is a lousy experience in comparison with using a full-fledged browser on a Mac. Jakob Nielsen explains the problems and offers suggestions on how to improve mobile Web usability in his Alertbox column. (Posted 2009-02-17)

The Tao of Backup — The software this 12-year-old site was developed to promote may be long gone, but its lessons about backup are timeless. “Remember, Grasshopper, to believe in one’s backups is one thing. To have to use them is another.” (Posted 2009-02-17)