SteelSkin.net – The Ramblings of Chris Nutt

Have been reading www.howtocreate.co.uk/acid. Interesting to note that IE 6 was the first browser to ever complete ACID 1 and that IE8 the first IE to pass ACID 2.

What is more interesting are these simple facts:

• Once the majority of current browsers pass the current ACID test a new one is created to challenge the existing browers (eg break)
• IE typically requires 2 versions to get there: IE3toIE4=beatNetscape, IE5toIE6=Acid1, IE7toIE8=ACID2.
• Safari is similar, but iterates more with around 3 versions
• Firefox is higher still around 4 versions (inc mozilla suite)
• Opera itterates to an insane degree. Opera 4 was ACID1 compliant, 9 was ACID2.

However not all is equal, IE used to iterate on a Safari/Firefox timetable, however MS stopped work when it was under investigation. So IE6to7 took AGES.

My predictions:

• IE9 will have some support for CSS3 and HTML. Odd numbered IE’s are typically ‘application’ releases that add support in a rough manner. Even are usually polish releases that make sure it hangs together tightly. IE10 will be the ACID3 release.
• Safari will benefit heavily from Apple’s trail blazing of CSS3 and the contribution from other webkit browsers (Chrome, thousands of mobile browsers)
• Firefox would continue at its own pace, but pressure from Safari and Chrome will keep it honest and in time.
• Opera will iterate like hell, will support ACID3 within a year or Saf/FF, whilst adding features no one will know they will want until they are in the other browsers

This is my new desk setup. They are Ikea real wood kitchen work tops (lagan) with cheap Vika legs. The Base unit stand is an old shelf that was left in the flat when I moved in years ago.

Longer term I will setup something better to hide the cables than the card board box I got the work tops in. The current solution does stop me snagging cables with my feet.

Mass Effect 2’s cover art is getting some criticism at the moment, even though it was reworked because of earlier criticism. I thought it a good idea to have an idea of the previous standard of artwork.

Left to right: The standard western cover, the limited edition western cover and the standard Japanese cover.

They are all pretty  good. Sheperd in first two is a bit butterfaced and indistinct. However the first is much more space opera like and evokes a bit of Star Wars. The special edition, looks a bit more hacked together, like its made from bits of the first and the mono-orange tone is a bit bland. The Japanese cover is a much cleaner design and evokes more of an alien style hard hitting form of sci-fi. I think I prefer the first one on balance, but Saren does look lost and cramped up there, like he is peaking over the top in the cheap seats. The last is next best, OMHO, and is far more striking from a distance. The middle is just meh and looks a tad unprofessional compared to the others, it does at least try.