Jump To >> Google Chrome Browser - Benchmark Results

So it's official, Google Chrome, Google's browser is now in its beta. I've been waiting for it ever since their blog posting & couldn't but wonder how things might change given that the internet is such a static piece of machinery with it's HTML, JavaScript, Flash, Applets, CSS, etc. Well, it hasn't, atleast for now. Google Chrome is just another browser, with it's own limitations. But Google Chrome, given that Google is behind it, has the potential to drive the internet to where it wants.

Per Google's blog posting, Google Chrome has borrowed some components from Apple's WebKit & Mozilla's Firefox & in that spirit they've made their browser open source. Now, this is a good thing cause end users(developers) can tweak Google Chrome as they like. It also provides an opportunity for Google to get the best minds work for it for free! Yeah, we developers always like to have our work appreciated so we like to throw in our ideas & ofcourse our efforts.

Anyways, I downloaded Google Chrome about 4 hrs ago & I'm all set to review it. Join me as I give y'all my views & opinions on what this new browser is & isn't capable of.

First impressions -

The very first thing you'll notice about Google Chrome is that it's bare bones & minimal. No clutter, except for the "Most Visited" area. I like the Most Visited area cause there are indeed some sites I visit so often that they warrant their inclusion in the first window that any browser opens. If you pay attention, you'll notice also Windows Vista style buttons on the top-right hand corner of the browser window. On Windows Vista you might miss it cause it's the default look n feel. One thing that you'll miss is the small search textbox on the top right hand of your browser window where you could configure the search engines you use most often. Besides that most shortcuts work the same way as Mozilla Firefox so the move from Firefox should be effortless. I cannot comment on Internet Explorer(IE) since I don't use it quite often except for testing compatibility.

Usability

From a usability perspective you may find Google Chrome to be functional(for developers) or barely functional(for those who simply use IE). Personally, I found Google Chrome to be just about what I look for in a browser - Functional & non-intrusive. It gets me to where I want to be without a fuss, much like my trustworthy 98 Chevy Prizm. The only issue I found was that it always ends up being slow trying to resolve the proxy. Besides that, I'm happy. I also dislike the fact that I cannot simply do a Ctrl-K like in Firefox & get to my favorite search engine. BTW, did you know that I couldn't get applets to work in Google Chrome, seems like it couldn't find a suitable plugin. We'll wait & see on this one. The focus of Google Chrome is meant to be a medium to get you where you want to be & thats it.

Thing I like(Innovations by Google)

• The Most Visited section when you first open Google Chrome.
• The fact that each tab is it's own separate process - Try killing one "chrome.exe" process from your task manager.
• The fact that it's Google behind this technology - Puts my faith back in web standards.

Gripes/Issues There is always resistance to change & I being no exception, do not like certain things about Google Chrome. There are certain features that prevent me from using Google Chrome as my chosen browser. Here's my list of gripes/issues -

• No support for Java Applets - If you're a webmaster, you will appreciate it's utility someday in an internet cafe in Bali.
• Lack of search textbox - The small thinghy in the top right hand corner in Firefox & IE.
• The Most Visited section retains the login page view.
• Takes too long to resolve the proxy.

Jump to >> Google Chrome Browser - Benchmark Results