Google Chrome Review: first impressions not good
Filed under: Computers, Software | By: Peter Chubb
Posted on: September 2, 2008 | 77 Comments
Well I have been waiting since yesterday to get my hands on Google Chrome, the search engine giant’s open source web browser. So I downloaded it from Google and then installed the software, and then decided to give Chrome a go. My first impressions are not that good.
So I then opened Google Chrome up and had a little play, and that was when I noticed the first of my problems. Firstly I could not find a button or logo to go back to my homepage, on further investigation it seems that you need to have your toolbar on for the Homepage button to appear.
Then there is the problem with my bookmarks which I imported from Firefox, for some reason I could not get them to show up. No matter what I tried I just could not find my bookmarks.
So what are your first impressions of Google Chrome?
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My first impression was amazing. It downloads and installs completely in less than a minute. Anyone remember how long it took to upgrade to IE 7?? The problems start when playing Flash 9 out of ten times it got stuck plays with stops or even asked me to abort the Flash. Well when it shut it down, the whole browser didn’t crash like IE so that’s a plus. Still missing lots of features but I guess it will advance with time. First thing they gotta fix it so Flash works as that is a MUST when browsing.
I agree with the review below.
IE8 is much nicer, but I do kind-of like the new tab design of Chrome.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080903/ap_on_hi_te/tec_tech_test_google_chrome
How’s about an F11 full screen ability? It won’t complicate that “simplicity is the new sophistication” image that Google seems to aspire to.
Peter: The Homepage key has to be turned on (tools/options/basics…). You say that you have to have the “toolbar” on to see your homepage key…erm…how is that different from any other browser. I currently have the homepage button to the right of the refresh button. I wouldn’t really call it a flaw….
I liked it and had no problems at all.
The only problem is on my bookmark organization. A bit difficult to get it nice and easy to use, but i think it’s just a matter of time until people start releasing some good plugins, skins and stuff.
I’ll stick with Opera for now. FF was my favourite, but it loads my pc too much.
I tried Chrome and do not see any reason to switch to it. I have embedded video on my personal website that plays automatically and loops in IE and Firefox but does not do so in Chrome. Chrome displays a toolbar with a play button.
I do have some pure CSS menus on my site that did display and function properly in Chrome. I too had to go into the options and set Chrome to display the home button on the toolbar. I think that should be on by default. It did import all my favorites with no problems.
There was too much hype leading up to the release of this browser. I know it is a beta version but it still seems simple and primitive to me. It certainly doesnt appear to be the revolution in web browsing that some people played it up to be.
I am quite impressed. It is much, much faster than IE7, Firefox and Safari for Windows, smaller in file size, and appears to tie up fewer resources. There are some minor glitches to be expected with a beta version: no Java applet for my office homepage; Sirius media player doesn’t work, etc. I have no doubt these issues will be addressed in the days and weeks to come. So far, so good!
It’s the same thing with GTalk. It works…Could be better and could fill a lot more needs that msn or any other messenger does. But still, it works.
Chrome can be used as a lightweight portable browser, maybe…if they launch it, of course.
Google Chrome it’s a pleasant experience like almost any google product. It’s simple, fast, intuitive, non intrusive and developed to learn your habits. I think this it’s just not enough for some internet users. Last time I set a homepage in some browser was about almost ten years ago. But it’s just me.
Google is about changing. Like they change the way you use the internet through search, like way you communicate with gmail, and now they prepare to deliver the state of the art browser for web 3.0….and why not …the framework for the next web os.
In time, hope to understand more than just install an app, look at it and say that is ugly designed or miss some important button.
I love this. I hate how slow Firefox is. This browser is MUCH faster from what I’ve seen so far. It opens up 5 times as fast as Firefox does for me. Opening up Google Reader is a difference of entire seconds in speed. Tabs in separate processes is long overdue. I won’t be going back. I for one welcome our Google overlords.