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Google Chrome review

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Manufacturer: Google

Our Rating: We rate this 4.5 out of 5 User Rating: Our users rate this 3 out of 10

By | 03 September 08

Despite some beta issues, Google's streamlined and speedy Google Chrome web browser offers strong integrated search and an intriguing alternative to Firefox and Internet Explorer.

Despite some beta issues, Google's streamlined and speedy Google Chrome web browser offers strong integrated search and an intriguing alternative to Firefox and Internet Explorer.

Related Articles

Google takes aim squarely at Microsoft with the release of its new web browser, Google Chrome. And Microsoft should be very afraid: Chrome lives up to its hype by rethinking the web browser in clever and convenient ways that make using the web a more organic experience than you'd get with either Microsoft's Internet Explorer 8.0 or Mozilla's Firefox 3.0.

Initially available for download for Windows Vista and XP, Google plans to expand its Google Chrome offerings to the Mac and Linux platforms as well. The company doesn't offer any timeline for these versions, though.

See also:

Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0 Beta 2 review

Mozilla Firefox 3.0 review

Google browser takes on Microsoft & Mozilla

OPINION: Firefox rival, Vista killer... what is Google Chrome?

Google Chrome automatically detects the web browser you're using and prompts you through the process of installation (right down to telling you how to access downloaded files within Firefox, for example). When you first run the application, Google Chrome imports your bookmarks, passwords, and settings from Firefox or Internet Explorer. It even can grab username and password data, and it automatically populates those fields for you when you use Chrome for the first time to visit a particular site.

After running through a quick import checklist, Google Chrome opens on your desktop - and right away you begin to experience the web in a new way. Chrome's layout is very simple: you'll see a row of tabs running along the top, a web address bar, and a bookmarks bar that runs beneath the address bar. A separate recent bookmarks box appears at the right of the screen, as does a history search field.

Like its Google stablemates, Google Chrome has a remarkably minimalist interface. There is no full-scale menu bar and no title bar - and few distractions. All controls are buried beneath two icons to the right of the Omnibar (as Google refers to its address bar): a page icon for managing tabs and using Google Gears to create application-like shortcuts from your desktop to a website; and a wrench for history, downloads, and other browser options.

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Post Review

Reviewed by KennyEllaway on Friday 21 November 2008

4 star rating

Duration of ownership: 7 days

Strengths:
Clean, clutter-free interface, enables streaming of internet content in another tab rather than opening an external app like WMP or Quicktime, fast, very handy start page of the most visited pages.

Weaknesses:
The over-hyped "tab isolation" feature that allows you to carry on browsing if a window crashes, doesnt work... the whole browser hangs.

Overall Evaluation:
I used Kmeleon up until i gave Chrome a try. Thankfully there are no toolbars etc to hamper the interface and it's quick, on par with Kmeleon. I prefer this browser for the sheer power and simplicity. I can't see me changing back to kmeleon anytime soon.

Reviewed by PaulusDev on Monday 22 September 2008

4 star rating

Duration of ownership: 8 days

Strengths:
- Very fast! - Clever user interface - Clever security model

Weaknesses:
- Cannot scroll up! I managed to fix it by modifying a file. See: digg.com/software/Google_Chrome_68

Overall Evaluation:
I think this is a product to watch. I can't wait for it to become more stable.

Reviewed by pattyanny on Saturday 06 September 2008

3 star rating

Duration of ownership: 5 days

Strengths:
Easy to install, clean interface and I like the Most Visited page snapshots (although Firefox has a plugin with this function)

Weaknesses:
Icon usage not intuitive, and worst, I haven't been able to run any videos on it e.g. YouTube

Overall Evaluation:
I might use it but would always need to keep both Firefox and IE as backups for different purposes

Reviewed by albertross999 on Friday 05 September 2008

4 star rating

Duration of ownership: 0 days

Strengths:
Haven't tried it yet

Weaknesses:
Haven't tried it yet.

Overall Evaluation:
Not a review but a concern - how secure is Firefox if Chrome can detect my passwords stored in Firefox?

Reviewed by rongraves on Friday 05 September 2008

1 star rating

Duration of ownership: 0 days

Strengths:
Not yet used, and won't be

Weaknesses:
Not yet used, and won't be

Overall Evaluation:
I agree with albertross999 - definitely a worry. A bigger worry are Google'sTerms of Service. I'm not convinced that, in the context of a browser, they're entirely legal. For example, if you stop using Chrome you're have to notify Google, and if you're under 18 (UK), you can't legally use it anyway. Continued...

Reviewed by johngml1 on Thursday 04 September 2008

1 star rating

Duration of ownership: 2 days

Strengths:
Very fast browsing, loads very quickly as well

Weaknesses:
I had problems with this browser showing any pictures, flash and the like. It also refused to accept my choice of homepage and the tab that shows my most popular sites was hopelessly inaccurate.

Overall Evaluation:
I have major concerns on their emphasise on advertising. I feel that this maybe just become Googles big foray into advertising. There is also a major concern regarding the license that you have to accept before using this browser. Basically anything you upload using this browser you are giving Google permission to use. "What's yours is ours" if you like.

Reviewed by Nocash350 on Thursday 04 September 2008

3 star rating

Duration of ownership: 1 days

Strengths:
Good interface, fast connection speed

Weaknesses:
Gives me an empty feeling since there's no menu bar and had a few problems with certain right click to save as links, also can only zoom in on text and doesn't warn a user when closing multiple tabs.

Overall Evaluation:
A good basic browser for those who are new to the internet and don't want a window full of add-ons and toolbars. I wouldn't recommend it for advanced users

Reviewed by Si_L on Wednesday 03 September 2008

4 star rating

Duration of ownership: 2 days

Strengths:
Simple interface, very typical of Google and one of the reasons their search engine was so popular. Incognito mode looks good too.

Weaknesses:
The zoom function is poor, instead of zooming the page, it just zooms the text. No good add-ons yet, but give that time.

Overall Evaluation:
Promising for a beta, but for now I will stick with FireFox.

Windows XP/Vista/7, Mac OS X
internet connection
  • Overall: We give this item 9 of 10 overall

Google has produced an excellent browser that is friendly enough to handle average browsing activities without complicating the tasks, but at the same time it's powerful enough to meet the needs of more-advanced users. The search functionality of the Omnibar is one of many innovations that caught my attention. Google Chrome's launch makes one thing clear: the web browser is Google's operating system.

There are currently no price comparisons for this product.
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