Google Chrome

The beta release of Google Chrome on September 2, 2008 set the Internet ablaze in downloading fury, capturing over 1% of the global browser market share within the first 12 hours according to Net Applications. Google Chrome promises to be faster, more efficient and more intuitive than other leading browsers on the web. The downloading race is still strong as more people put Google Chrome to the test, measuring it against the likes of Internet Explorer 7, Firefox 3, Opera and Safari.

If you're one of the early adopters of Google's latest release, consider these Google Chrome benefits and drawbacks to determine if this browser is the one you really want for the long-term:

Key Benefits of the Google Chrome Web Browser
Efficiency and simplicity in true Google style continues with the Chrome web browser, and the back-to-the-basics look makes it very easy to use. Key benefits of the Google Chrome web browser include:

-The Omnibox: A bar that sits at the top of your browser and collects information on sites you've visited through the search. Once the information is recorded, you can do site searches without actually going to the website - it's all done through the browser.
-Snapshots of your most-visited sites: the thumbnails of your most-visited sites appear on your home page for easy access. You're always just a click away from your favorite sites, and these load up on the home page when you launch the browser.
-Speed: Super-fast load times which gives this browser a slick, lightweight feel
-Drag-and-drop tab features: you can drag and drop tabs into the main window to create a standalone window;
-Uncluttered browser toolbar: Google Chrome doesn't allow you to view different toolbars on the top of your browser. The only feature at the top is the Bookmarks Bar.
-Easy to create application shortcuts: You can create an application shortcut for your favorite websites in a few simple steps.
-Safe Browsing option: This feature gives you a chance to 'enable phishing and malware detection' so that Google will tell you when a site might be sending over some malicious software.

Drawbacks of Google Chrome
While Google Chrome offers several benefits for the avid Internet user, it does have its limitations. Here are some of the key drawbacks of Google Chrome:

-No add-on options: Unlike Firefox that lets you download extensions and plugins, Google Chrome leaves you with just the basics.

-Advertising fodder:Your browsing habits are being recorded without abandon, so you are opening yourself up to marketers and advertisers who can target you based on your browsing habits.
-Inability to sort your history: Internet Explorer and Firefox make it simple to sort yesterday's or last week's websites with ease; Google Chrome only gives you a daily history listing.
-No synchronizing for you: If you like accessing your bookmarks or favorites from different computers on any given day, you don't have an 'account' to log into your data stores with Chrome.

Google Chrome is an efficient browser that is fully capable of handling basic Internet activities; since it's constantly collecting your browsing habits, you're more likely to reach your coveted destination within a few keystrokes or clicks. Still, it does have some limitations, leaving out many bells and whistles of today's top browsers.