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Review: Safari for Windows (what took so long?)

Among the most interesting things Apple CEO Steve Jobs outlined today was the company's move to take Safari to Windows. Why?
Written by Larry Dignan, Contributor

Among the most interesting things Apple CEO Steve Jobs outlined today was the company's move to take Safari to Windows.

Why?

For starters, Apple has just made the browser battle more interesting. But strategically Apple's Safari 3 effort (see Techmeme) is a Trojan horse (gallery at right) that could encourage more Mac switching.

With Apple comes features like Bonjour, a software application that gives you a view of your network on the fly. It's way easy.

These bundles that come along with Safari give folks a glimpse into Apple's software (see Jason O'Grady on Leopard specs). Much like iTunes, Safari could become a critical Windows app that usurps some of Microsoft's Windows capabilities. Safari tilts you toward Apple subliminally.

Full disclosure: I used to be an avid Safari user, but haven't seen the browser for a few months as I'm primarily a PC person for now--at least until I get a MacBook. I had a MacBook until November.

Now Safari on the Mac had its issues--some sites didn't work and it seemed crashy at time. Apple gives a nod to that fact and allows you to submit sites that don't work to Apple. Presumably these things will get fixed.

Other nice features include:

  • The ability to open a tab in a new window.
  • An easy view of all your plug-ins, including ones you probably didn't know about.
  • And the ability for private browsing.

Biggest gripe: Safari gives you no search box choices beyond Google and Yahoo.

Overall, it was nice to see Safari back on my desktop. Welcome back.

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