What this Firefox user misses about Chrome

Call me fickle, but I switched my default browser back to Firefox for the time being. In doing so, I discovered the features I really miss about Chrome.

Why did I switch back so soon after lavishing praise on Google's open-source Web browser? Well, when Google added the option to use a cutting-edge "developer preview" version, I signed up, and guess what--it's not as stable. Specifically, both 2.0.156.1 and the newer 2.0.157.2 that I now have installed inexplicably become unresponsive for long periods of time--at least 10 seconds, which is about 9.5 seconds longer than my tolerance limit.

But I like some of Chrome's new features, so I didn't want to downgrade to better-tested stable or beta versions. Instead, I thought perhaps I'd see what my second-favorite browser felt like again while waiting for the newer Chrome features to settle down.

I was a little surprised. What got me to switch to Chrome two months ago was performance, but what I missed most upon heading back to Firefox was Chrome's user interface.

More than once, I found that even after a few weeks of Chrome, my muscle memory had been reprogrammed to expect different behavior. Switching back to Firefox wasn't just different, though--I wanted the old features. Here's a list of what I didn't even know that I'd come to like.

The location of new tabs
When you open a link in a new tab with Chrome (I often middle-click to do so), the new page shows up in tab immediately to the right of the current tab. This naturally groups related tabs, and for me at least, eases the process of switching among many.

When you open a new tab in Firefox, it appears to the far right of the list, and it's harder to get to it. It takes just that little extra bit of time to locate and navigate to the tab.

Good news, though: Mozilla evangelist Chris Blizzard pointed me to a blog post by programmer Mike Beltzner, which says the same behavior is coming to Firefox:

• tabs that are opened from links will open to the immediate right of the current tab
• new tabs created by the New Tab button or keyboard shortcut will open at the end of the tab strip
• if multiple tabs are opened (in the background) from links, they will open sequentially to the right of each other; as soon as focus changes, this sequential opening behavior will stop, and tabs will go back to opening immediately to the right or at the end of the tab strip as per the above

After typing 'g' into Firefox's awesome bar, it takes two more keystrokes to load Gmail.

(Credit: CNET News)

After typing 'g' in Chrome, hitting the Enter key will load Gmail.

(Credit: CNET News)

Searching from the address bar
I think Firefox's awesome bar does a better job digging previously visited links out of my history, but searching directly from Google's Omnibox, which adds online search into the mix, is more useful. I search dozens of times a day, and now I have to remember either to visit a search page or head over to Firefox's special search box (to do the latter faster, I hit Ctrl-L, then Tab).

Some folks are concerned about sending lots of juicy personal data to Google's servers, which monitors what you type so it can supply suggested search results. But except for typing in Web sites, it's the same stuff I'd type into a search page anyway.

One less keystroke
When typing addresses into the address bar, both Chrome and Firefox offer a list of suggestions in a drop-down box. But Chrome highlights its top pick, while Firefox puts it one entry below the box.

That means if the pick is right, I just have to hit Enter with Chrome, but the down arrow, then Enter with Firefox. It's a tiny thing, but I do this hundreds of times a day.

Launch speed
Technically this is more a performance issue than a user interface issue, but responsiveness does matter. Loading Chrome feels like loading Notepad, a program that hasn't changed much from the era of 386-based Windows 3.1 machines; loading Firefox feels more like the grindingly slow process of hauling Outlook into my machine's memory.

Don't get me wrong--there are plenty of things I like better about Firefox, including RSS feed discovery, extensions, the full-screen mode, color profile support, about:config for tweaks, and, I discovered a couple weeks ago, compatibility with McAfee's e-commerce Web site.

But I give credit to Google for coming up with actual interface improvements.

[Lerianis]

About the unresponsive problem... go into the User\"You"\Appdata\Local\Google\Chrome directory, and DELETE any folders marked with a version before the latest version. I had this same problem, and that is the thing that was causing it: the fact that Google Chrome, for some STUPID reason, doesn't delete the old version directory after it is done an update, so it can get 'confused'.

[jefflac]

I got one more - when right clicking a link in Chrome, open in new tab is the first selection, rather than the second. In Firefox, Open in New Window is the first selection, tab is second.

[strykernyc]

yup
also, many times I couldn't right click using Chrome and this is one of the main reason I switch back to Firefox.

[Mister-BIGMOUTH]

Don't listen to ANYTHING Lerianis has to say, he is a self-proclaimed PEDOPHILE (pedo-sexual by HIS words, both words mean the same thing as far as any normal human being is concerned.)

Read what he typed here:


http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10149435-38.html?tag=commProfileMain;profileBot

http://news.cnet.com/8301-19518_3-10145400-238.html?tag=commProfileMain;profileBot

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-10142319-68.html?tag=commProfileMain;profileBot

http://news.cnet.com/8301-19518_3-10142096-238.html?tag=commProfileMain;profileBot

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10084345-56.html

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9945915-7.html

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10064738-38.html

[rchu66]

Instead of hitting Ctrl+L and then tab to get to the search bar...Ctrl+E will get you right there.

[Shankland]

Great tip--how come I never knew this? Thanks. It's also useful for when I start typing into the Awesome Bar and realize I want to head to the search box. If a drop-down is available, tab will move through it rather than change focus to the search bar, but Ctrl-E moves me there regardless.

[michaellasalle]

Ctrl+E, interesting. I've been using Ctrl+K to do the exact same thing. I wonder why there are two different shortcuts for one effect?

[Clarious]

I rarely use the search box, just set the proper keyword for earch search engine and I can search via the location bar. For example "gg" for google, "wk" for wikipedia, "en" for english wiktionary, etc...

[grantdavis]

I believe Ctrl-K was the first shortcut to the search bar available in earlier versions of Firefox . Ten when IE7 came out MS chose to use Ctrl-E, and Firefox subsequently added it as a shortcut to the search bar to aid in the switch for IE users to FF.

[c|net Reader]

I'm with Clarious: I use numerous search keywords rather than the search box. It's just simpler that way and faster to switch among various searches. With the search box, one must open the drop down list to select a new search tool and then remember to set it back for the next search.

[mikehill33]

Why should I have to tweak the unresponsive problem? I like Chrome, but that proxy resolving crap sucks.

Also, extensions or be gone! Google should know this.

[Lerianis]

They are working on adding extensions to Chrome. They are just waiting until they get the main Chrome browser with ALL the options they want it to have, then they are going to start with adding an extension capability.

[plarsen111]

I use google docs, and found it interesting that I had to have Firefox or Explorer to use Google Gears. I will be traveling in a few days and may or may not have internet access, but definitely want access to my Google Docs files. Back to FireFox I go.

[Mister-BIGMOUTH]

Don't listen to ANYTHING Lerianis has to say, he is a self-proclaimed PEDOPHILE (pedo-sexual by HIS words, both words mean the same thing as far as any normal human being is concerned.)

Read what he typed here:


http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10149435-38.html?tag=commProfileMain;profileBot

http://news.cnet.com/8301-19518_3-10145400-238.html?tag=commProfileMain;profileBot

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13880_3-10142319-68.html?tag=commProfileMain;profileBot

http://news.cnet.com/8301-19518_3-10142096-238.html?tag=commProfileMain;profileBot

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10084345-56.html

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9945915-7.html

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10064738-38.html

[Lewix7]

You can solve most of those problems with a little effort if you really want to.
For the one less keystroke, you can actually just change an option in "about:config" : set "browser.urlbar.autoFill" to true and it should be good. As for searching, Ctrl+k sends you straight to the search box, so unless you are unsure whether you want to search or type an address (never happened to me, but who knows), that should do. The Tab Mix Plus extension can solve the tab-opening problem ("Open new tabs next to current one").
As for the launch speed, I must admit that it is quite slow and there isn't much to do about it...
Maybe you can go back to loving Chrome for it's performance now.

[Shankland]

Indeed, the autofill option is available. My browser didn't have the boolean available, so I created it then set it to true by following the instructions on this site, and it worked like a charm:

http://dougal.gunters.org/blog/2004/12/15/firefox-inline-autocomplete

However, my issue with the search box isn't so much having a better keyboard shortcut, it's just that I do prefer Google's one-box-fits-all approach.

[c|net Reader]

Unfortunately, Tab Mix Plus doesn't distinguish between new tabs opened by Ctrl-clicking a link and opening a new tab via Ctrl+T. When you set TMP to open new tabs to the right of the current tab, that applies to all tabs. I like what Stephen describes of Chrome's behavior in this case.

[westlakers]

I stayed with chrome only one day and then I abandon it for good. not impressed at all. firefox is way better.

[EfeHoroz]

I have been using Firefox for a long time, but I thing Chrome has simpler and cleaner UI, you almost don't feel its there while using it.

[ktswami]

That's an interesting thinking-out-loud article, Stephen. I have to point something out for you, though, since you left it unsaid.

Firefox will not be copying UI improvements from Chrome. Firefox will be copying UI improvements from Chrome...those UI improvements that Google copied from Opera; active tab-to-the-right, integrated search bar with full-text Quick Find, auto:config, etc... (And there will be about 15 other Opera features, that others will keep discovering/copying going forward...it's been happening for 10 years now...)

Whether anyone likes FF or Chrome or Safari or ultimately Opera, for whatever reasons, it's less important...but don't NOT GIVE CREDIT, where credit is due. Especially when a minority player drives the market (read: Apple users, Opera users, etc...).

Please try to do so in the future, if you can...

[tm_anon]

The funniest thing happens everytime someone mentions a feature they really like about a browser they use. Some Opera fanatic or another always jumps in and says "Opera had that 2 years ago and nobody said anything".

Opera has lots and lots of features, we all know this. Opera doesn't implement them in the same ways. Opera doesn't advertise these features, Opera doesn't gain market share because of these two areas it is severely lacking in and most of all, the users of Opera seriously need to shut the hell up about Opera having all these features. We get it already, you like Opera.

tm_anon acted the jerk by insulting those who actually pay attention to browser development...

You are the one who should shut the eff up. Me? I use Firefox, IE, Opera & Chrome, depending on what I wish to accomplish at the moment. (Admittedly, I only use IE for that dwindling number of sites that won't work without it)

Mr. "anon" should go get a life somewhere. If you don't like a product, then don't use it. Insulting those who find value in something you don't care for is the height (or depth) of arrogance & ignorance.

[f22luke]

I agree. Opera does not get enough credit. One reason why is Opera is so customizable. As default Opera puts the new tab to the extreme right. Most people think that is just how Opera does it. They don't even know that a few clicks of the mouse will change it to place the new tab to the right of the active tab. Who needs extensions when the browser has this much customization and as many features as Opera comes with. Really the if you like how a certain browser works Opera can be made to work like that browser (probably because most of the good browsers are a rip off from Opera).
Add on and extensions are just a way to cover up a browsers flaws.
I find that when I use another browser the one feature that I miss the most from Opera is the mouse gestures. Fire Fox's extensions are close but they just aren't as smooth and usable.

[JunkSiu]

For tab, you should really try the firefox add-on tree-style tab, especially if you are using a wide screen.

[lysinewf]

The location of new tabs - easily fixed with tab mix plus. I've been doing this since FF 2.0

Searching from the address bar - I actually use the quick search feature, and have custom searches with %s that goes into the URL. So I can do something like "newegg 1TB HGST" and it will take me right there.

[rapier1]

So Opera was the first with the new tab behaviour, right? Chrome borrowed it from them and now Firefox is going to borrow it as well. Didn't IE7 also pick up this behaviour quite some time ago as well?

[Lerianis]

Yep. That pretty much the bottom line: most of these 'new functions only in Chrome or Firefox!'.... are actually coming from the current version of Opera, which for some reason isn't very popular.

[rapier1]

So basically, Opera had the feature. Then Microsoft and now, after some period of delay its coming to FireFox and Chrome. All the while people are acting like Firefox and Chrome invented this - even though its been a part of two other browsers (one major and one minor) for some time. Okay, just checking.

[29er]

"Well, when Google added the option to use a cutting-edge "developer preview" version, I signed up, and guess what--it's not as stable. Specifically, both 2.0.156.1 and the newer 2.0.157.2 that I now have installed inexplicably become unresponsive for long periods of time--at least 10 seconds, which is about 9.5 seconds longer than my tolerance limit."

What is unclear about their three different channels? Stable, Beta and Dev. If you changed to the Dev channel and are surprised that it doesn't work as well as the Stable channel then you simply don't understand instructions. Its articles like this on tech news sites that clearly show how most tech writers have no understanding of technology. As Bill Engvall says, "Here's your sign".

[Shankland]

Oh, I'm not complaining that I expected the developer preview version to be stable. I think the channels are appropriately named. I just didn't want to downgrade to some of the older features from the more stable versions, and did want to describe the specific problem in the developer preview version that I suffered.

Just as I found Google's explanations clear, I thought readers would find my description as "cutting-edge" pretty clear.

[tm_anon]

I'd like to know if the poster has tried out Flock and what was thought of that particular browser. No FUD, just an honest review.

[Shankland]

I probably should try Flock, since every Chrome story I write you comment about it, but honestly, I don't hear anything about it from anybody else, so it's not really on my radar. I don't get the impression that it's terribly widely used. Popularity can be one way to motivate me into experimenting with new software, since it shows it struck some chord.

[tm_anon]

It was the big thing around just before Chrome was announced. Just poor timing for the launch of the newest version. Just be sure to try out all the features. I'm sure I've listed them a few times by now so I won't bother this time. Just give it a week, get it set up and be ready to miss those features if you ever go back to Firefox. Oh, also, don't forget that most firefox addons are fully compatible.

[tm_anon]

I do apologize for bringing it up so much.

[loose_screw]

I had the opposite experience. Firefox would constantly freeze for periods of 5-10 seconds at a time when I had more than 5 or 6 tabs open on my Core Duo desktop. I didn't use any extensions or plug-ins (other than Flash Player 10), and I keep my PC bloat free, so it was puzzling. It finally got to be too aggravating, especially while trying to compose email. I searched the web for the problem, and didn't find any effective solution, so I installed Chrome and it's been running beautifully. YMMV.

[cary1]

I think this article is too personalized. Anyone who uses a software for a long time has a little trouble switching to another one. I had a hard time getting used to Firefox for that matter, even though now I love it. I never got used to the single touchpad button on a MacBook and abandoned it.

For me, the big reason for not switching to Chrome is non availability of Google Toolbar for Chrome, which is a little ironic. I use Google toolbar for my bookmarks, custom search of other websites like amazon, IMDB, Cnet etc. All this not not available for Chrome (though that might have changed recently).

[Shankland]

Google is working on an extensions framework, which might address your needs at some point when it gets more mature. It's only in its earliest stages right now.

http://news.cnet.com/chrome-gets-mac-deadline-extensions-foundation/

[Maarek Stele]

I find that Opera 10 is better, but with a slower loading time. Chrome is a memory hog, because every window opened loads another EXE to the process list doubling it's memory usage. So I'm still using Firefox as my default browser.

[routerspecialist]

The BEST browser I've ever seen? Well, it sure ain't Chrome....it's Firefox 3.1 Beta 2! Fast, capable, flexible, um, did I say fast? Firefox 3.1 Beta 2 is it!

[loose_screw]

In YOUR opinion. BEST is a very subjective term.

[Endbringer]

I've been using FF 3.1 Beta 2 for a few weeks now and I love it. There's not been a single website I couldn't view, and GMail loads much faster. I just don't see a need to switch browsers when FF does everything just fine and fast.

[alex-cnet]

I sometimes switch between Chrome and Firefox (for example, Hotmail doesnt work in Chrome, Ive switched to Gmail but I still get emails to my Hotmail sometimes). So when using the 2 browsers there is so much I miss from Chrome.

One thing that I dont think was mentioned:
I frequently have lots of tabs open (tons actually) so they are no longer their default length in the tab bar, instead they are shrunk a bit. When closing tabs in Firefox, they are automatically resized. When closing them in Chrome, however, they are only resized when you move your mouse away from the tab bar. Now in Firefox, when I plan to close multiple tabs (middle 4 for example) I hit middle click 4 times and usually I end up closing the wrong tab. Not in Chrome however.

It seems like the little things in Chrome that are so much more thought out. I believe this browser was made with usability a priority. This, plus the extra speed, makes me cringe every time I have to open Firefox. Lucky for Google, Chrome also got me off the Ad-Block Plus.

[tm_anon]

Adblock Plus is part of the reason Chrome won't reach many users. I don't mind seeing ads, it's just when they've been made so intrusive. Text ads are fine, even picture ads are fine. If a magazine started showing fully functional video advertisements on every page, I'd look for another magazine. If they all started doing it, I'd stop purchasing and so would just about everyone else on the planet. In short, Adblock Plus makes the internet usable until advertisers realize the more I see the same exact advertisement covering up the page I actually want to look at, the less likely I am to buy their product.

[Frederikrooms]

My hotmail works perfectly with Chrome! But I prefer the perfect GMAIL.

But we need to understand that the development of google is damn fast, so I think we don't have to wait a couple of years like thunderbird to see some evolution in the browser. And it's just that 'being new', that is cool! So I'm glad to see the evolution with my own eyes, and that's something I miss in thunderbird.

[Shankland]

I agree about the Chrome close-tab behavior being nice. Here's a Google blog post on the subject. The tabs con't change size until you move your mouse away from the tab bar, so you can close multiple ones without moving the mouse. I didn't even notice it did this until I read about it:

http://blog.chromium.org/2009/01/tabbed-browsing-in-google-chrome.html

However, I usually use Ctrl-W to close tabs anyway, in both Firefox and Chrome.

[calande]

AdBlock Plus doesn't work in Google Chrome, but AdSweep removes most ads from web pages in Chrome.

[i_made_this]

I love Chrome for browing / surfing - it just breaks all the speed records. It doesn't render some pages well - pages that are poorly coded but that FF *forces* better. But the lack of a toolbar, its forgetting *remembered* p/w's, and some other issues I need for business makes FF still the choice for me for emailing / document handling / downloading et al.

Chrome's address bar area also takes up valuable and huge page real estate. As there's no toolbar, I can't figure why GOOG's programmers would *steal* such *mission-critical* page real estate. I asked them about this a few months ago while it was still in beta, but never heard back lol. (I didn't really expect to), Anyway, taking a stab in the dark on this issue, I sense it maybe cos GOOG designed the browser primarily for handheld devices and not so much laptops / desktops, at least to start?

[tm_anon]

FF 3.1 beta was faster in page rendering less than a month ago. You may want to check it out and get all the functionality you wanted from Chrome.

[ehfla]

So the things you like most about Chrome, are things IE has had for years?

[sythara]

You sure about that?

[Shankland]

My biggest beef with IE is that it's pokey by comparison. Not nearly as responsive as either Firefox or Chrome in my opinion. I try Safari sometimes, just to see what it's like, and ought to spend more time with Opera and Flock and lord knows what else, but there are only so many hours in the day.

[ehfla]

IE has tabs that open immediately to the right of the current tab.
IE lets you search from the address bar.

[firefoxluva95]

IE has had obese toolbars that reflect the obesity problem in the US and they just got even more obese in IE8.

[Mergatroid Mania]

Wow, can't believe how picky some people are.

I like the tabs the way they work now. I have it set to go to the tab as soon as I open it, so I never have to look for it.
As for search, omg, you have to move the pointer and click on the search button, or in the search field (depending on which version of FF you're using)? I feel so bad for you. God forbid you should break a finger nail while clicking in the search field.

Picky picky picky.