In their own words, Cooliris “…transforms your browser into a lightning fast cinematic way to enjoy photos and videos from the web or your desktop.” I’ve been using it as a Firefox plug-in for about a year; though it is available for Internet Explorer and Safari as well. Whether searching for new desktop wallpaper or stock images for a website, I would use Cooliris to quickly browse thousands of photos with an Apple “CoverFlow” feel.

Recent Cooliris updates make for a GREAT way to search Craigslist. Previous versions of Cooliris appeared to open as a full screen, modal pop-up which you could “escape” out of. Their latest version actually opens a new browser tab; allowing you to bookmark your favorite image searches. Combine this with Craigslist, and you’ve got a very efficient way to peruse the world’s largest yard-sale!

I’m a musician. So, naturally, I browse Craigslist.com looking for instruments and miscellaneous recording gear at bargain basement prices. I don’t waste time looking at ads that don’t have pictures. This morning, I decided to search for musical instruments for sale in my area and noticed the Cooliris icon was illuminated. One click took me to a magical, Craigslist wonderland! And better yet, when I clicked on the images to get a closer view, the item description was listed along with all other item photos. Here’s how:

1. Download and install Cooliris
2. Browse to your local flavor or Craigslist.com
3. Drill-down to your category of choice
4. Search for listings that have images by checking the “has image’ check box (leave the search text box empty)
5. Click search and then click the illuminated Cooliris icon
6. Bookmark the Cooliris page that opens, rinse and repeat

Here are a couple screenshots I took: