How fares Google Chrome?

Google Chrome is Google’s latest offering – a web browser.

You may ask…is it worth downloading? Is it worth trying out? And most importantly is it worth switching to?

I have been a hard core IE user since forever. Even though I like Firefox, somehow I have never been able to convert to it. So will Google chrome finally cure me of IE? Let’s find out.

Simplicity is the Key

The first thing you notice when you open Google Chrome is it’s simplicity. But that is to be expected if you look at previous Google trends – simple and functional!

You will be greeted with a simple screen which is customized as you start browsing.

On the left side, you can see screen shots of your most recent history with quick access to the rest of the list. on the right side, you can see a search option along with your most recently added bookmarks and most recently closed tabs. Simple options which provide easy one-click access. This is the most useful welcome page I have seen on any browser.

Lightning Fast

I heard people rave about the speed. This was the main reason why I downloaded the browser in the first place as I didn’t believe there could be a marked difference between Chrome vs Firefox and IE.

I was proven wrong. There is a difference and a noticeable one at that. Browsing is definitely faster on Google Chrome.

Space Saving

The maximum space is given to the screen. The browser shows the tabs at the top and the address bar by default. The bookmark bar has to be turned on for all pages.

However, the best feature is there is no status bar. Instead a blue bar pops-up to show the status when required and disappears when not needed. Therefore you get your status and yet do not have to deal with an ever-present status bar. For me this is pure genius!

Bookmark Bar

This is the most useful feature as of yet. And it is amazing that no one else ever thought of doing it this way.

This bar is only shown on the main welcome screen by default but can be turned on for all pages via settings. You can add as many bookmark folders and pages as you want (or will fit) on this bar. Talk about one-click access to your favorite and most used sites.

Spell Checker!?

Am I dreaming or am I getting a spell check on all my textarea boxes? Wow! And just when I thought there can’t be any more new and cool features.

So Have I Converted

Without a doubt. I love the intuitive features. Love the simplicity, the functionality and the speed.

The one complaint that I have read about the browser and the reason why a lot of people are averse to using it is because they don’t want Google collecting data. Please note there is an opt-out option right at the start when you download the browser. So don’t let that thought stop you.

Download Google Chrome