Cart-Lab CSS Template Vs Others

starwest · #1 11-28-2006, 08:36 AM

I'm hoping some of the more educated X-Cart users/developers can give me their opinions on this topic. We've been waiting for the Cart-Lab CSS Template to be launched for X-Cart v4.1.x because I've previously read (and I can't remember where now) that it was far and away the best template to use w/ X-Cart. Without a timetable for its release, I'd really like to get some of your opinions on whether or not it's something worth waiting for (versus choosing another template to work with).

Any feedback and/or suggestions/comparisons for other templates would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help!

balinor · #2 11-29-2006, 04:46 AM

While I think a pure CSS layout is definitely the way to go with ANY web site, it will cause future issues for you with X-Cart. First, since 4.1 is not stable, you will need to upgrade quite a few times as upgrade kits are released. Upgrading can be a pain as it is, but if you use a CSS layout, you will need to patch all of the templates MANUALLY, which will be a nighmare. In addition, many third party and X-Cart mods will be difficult to get working with a CSS layout, as they are all designed using tables. I'm not saying it isn't possible, but it will be a LOT more work than a standard template using tables.

I'm all in favor for a pure CSS version of X-Cart, but until X-Cart actually releases it themselves, it will be a lot of extra work.

B00MER · #3 11-29-2006, 06:56 AM

http://www.cart-lab.com/Pre-Order-X-Cart-version-41x-CSS-Template-p-113.html

Dec 12th, is the estimated release date.

I agree with balinor about the upgrade issues, but with X-Cart adding the system fingerprint's in 4.1.x it will hopefully resolve this issue with any 3rd party template or mod.

starwest · #4 11-29-2006, 08:29 AM

Thank you both for the responses.

How much extra work are we talking about to upgrade from 4.1.3 to 4.1.4 (or subsequent 4.1.x versions)? I'm not a developer, we would likely hire someone to install the update and patch things for us - any idea what kind of cost we're talking about to do this?

Along with the mods listed in my signature, we will be using additional 3rd party mods and a few custom mods as well - are we not a good candidate for this type of template?

Any additional information you could give me that would help me understand the level of complexity/cost involved would be appreciated.

PhilJ · #5 12-06-2006, 09:15 AM

Does anyone know of any sites that use the CSS skin? I haven't seen any yet. Here's hoping the next generation of X-Cart will be entirely table-less.

Owl · #6 12-13-2006, 01:00 AM

I have used the first version for a clients shop, but i misread it when i bought it and thought it was valid xhtml, but only the css was valid. But now I understand both will be valid xhtml and css. And then it's worth buying definatly if it includes updates.

big pine kenny · #7 12-15-2006, 02:06 PM

I have been watching about this new template. I am new to this so will this work for me, or is it for advanced users and programers?

starwest · #8 12-19-2006, 04:46 PM

All I want for X-Mas is a completed Cart-Lab CSS Template...

How's it coming B00MER?

starwest · #9 12-20-2006, 11:29 AM

Looks like this mod just dropped for v4.1.x - merry christmas to me!

Thanks B00MER!

B00MER · #10 12-20-2006, 09:57 PM

Sorry for the delays on getting it completed, I just recently got over the flu, so it backed up the timeline even more, feel free to post any feedback.