Friday, December 09, 2005

Go-go Gadget - Browster!

I've always been a gadget kind of guy. If it was a by-product of my being a James Bond fanatic, a devoted Quester or simply the result of too much Inspector Gadget at a tender age. Whatever the reason, I like gizmos and especially gizmos that can improve how I do things.

Someone pointed out to me a browser plugin called Browster. (Somewhat reminded me of a product called Etour, but I digress.) It is designed to make your searching faster, so of course I checked it out.

Here is a blow-by-blow of how it do what it do.

1. Instant View of Webpage

(After placing some lightning bolt icons beside the search reults of a searchengine. ) Browster instantly shows you the page. Saves Back button clicks, removes page load delays. Saves time, simplifies your browsing.

2. Navigate and browse

Browster shows you the full web page, not a thumbnail. Click links or read the page. It's also easy to close - just mouse out!

3. Jump to next result

Use your mouse wheel to automatically jump from result to result. Click the Next and Previous buttons on the Browster toolbar. Also use the PgDn and PgUp keys or your arrow up and down keys.

4. Prefetch your favorite sites. To set prefetching on any site, right-click the link on the list, then choose "Browster preload on/off".

5. Browster installs easily into Internet Explorer. Runs automatically the next time you browse. Browster is a small plugin (717K) to Internet Explorer 6.0 or later. Takes 15 seconds to install. Easy to uninstall, no spyware. Does not take space on your Internet Explorer toolbar.

Digability rating: Interesting concept, but the jury is still out on this one.

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2 Comments:

Blogger ElisaC said...

Just FYI: Browster also has a version for Firefox.

Disclosure: I blog for Browster here: http://browster.typepad.com

12/09/2005 03:21:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

jim,
thanks for your lengthy post about Browster. things are going well, adding lots of users everyday. you mentioned that the jury is still out - what do you think gives you pause about the product? Believe me, I know it's far from perfect! Your feedback about how to improve it would be valuable.
thx
Scott Milener
CEO
Browster

12/20/2005 03:36:00 PM  

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