I switch web browsers at a whim, and use different browsers for different purposes. My latest semi-favourite is Google Chrome, because it seems fast and it has this ‘killer’ feature:
Omnibox
Use the Omnibox to type both web addresses and searches in Google Chrome.
Google Chrome Omnibox.
Omnibox
In retrospect it’s so obvious that we shouldn’t need to have a separate ‘search’ box in the browser Toolbar.
On countless occasions with other browsers I’ve started typing a search term into the Address Bar, only to have to move it to the Search box. I love that Google Chrome just handles it.
As you can see in the screenshot, search results actually appear as suggestions right there in the Omnibox (what a stupid name!). Nice.
Search engine defaults
Furthermore, in Google Chrome’s preferences you can choose a default search engine: Google, Yahoo!Xtra, or Bing. I think of Yahoo!Xtra as a New Zealand thing, so if you’re in another country your defaults may differ.
Google Chrome search engines.
In fact, dig a little deeper and explore the Manage button beside the Search engine drop-down menu in Preferences. It seems Chrome builds a list of possible search engines based on your browsing history.
For me possibilities include several local New Zealand sites I’ve visited recently, along with Facebook, YouTube, Amazon and others.
Handy features
We have the winning Omnibox. It’s easy to resequence Tabs; it saves Tabs if you quit or crash, it’s speedy and looks good. I enjoy using Google Chrome, except for one thing.
1Password isn’t integrated yet
1Password is essential to my well-being. When I reach a page I’ve visited before that requires a login I automatically use the Command \ keystroke. 1Password enters my username and password (or lets me pick from a selection if I have more than one) and submits them.
Google Chrome doesn’t yet work with 1Password, and that’s a real annoyance.
As I write I have Google Chrome, Camino and OmniWeb all open. When I need a password I switch to one of the other browsers.
I’ve been using Google Chrome for a couple of weeks now. As far as I’m concerned it’s a real winner. Have you tried it yet?
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{oh, that’s interesting. I attempted to reply via iPhone last night and it didn’t “take”…still learning my way ’round the iPhone}
I’ve downloaded Chrome and am quite impressed with speed and simplicity but the kicker is that 1 Password (which is just a “must have”) isn’t able to be integrated. Same with Opera, by the way. So I’m mostly Safari and Firefox. Did used to hop around between browsers quite a bit more in the past. Even bought Omniweb back in the day.
Google Chrome is a killer browser. I agree with you.
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