Internet Explorer 7 Review

I took the plunge and decided to update to Internet Explorer 7.

I had two immediate thoughts:

1. It took too long to update and install. Downloading and installing either Firefox or Opera took a heck of a lot less time.
2. It looks a lot like Opera

I initially thought the length of time it took to install was due to software bloat. However, the final installed directory is only 3.5 MB. The problem is probably with Microsoft’s install mechanism. I wonder too if the heavy integration with the underlying OS creates installation complexities.

IE7 diverges from the traditional browser toolbar. While not exactly the same as Opera, they both took a divergent path to redefine the toolbar. Firefox 2.0 keeps the traditional placement of the tool bar with Front, Back, Refresh, Stop, Home, Print all in a row starting to the users left. IE6 used similar placement. Since IE7 diverges from IE6 on this point, users will have to relearn the placement of key buttons. I have already found myself mousing over to where the home button should be only to find the space tidied up for a longer address bar.

I am not an expert on web standards nor can I speak to the standard rendering of CSS across browsers. However, I can say that IE7 renders padding and margins a little differently than Firefox and Opera. I had a problem that showed up only in Firefox (Opera and IE6 rendered it as I wanted it.) My fix to the problem solved the issue (sort of) in Firefox, but it displays a tad differently in IE7.
It is literally one of those “screw it” moments where I am tired of trying to work around three different browsers. It is not how I want it, but at least it is adequate in all three.

The release of IE7 does raise the issue of a web standard compatible browser. Many were hoping IE7 would come closer. From what I have read, it has made strides but is not as close as Firefox or Opera.

The usability difference between IE6 and IE7 is my major complaint. Most will not like the fact that all their buttons have been moved to a different location on the toolbar. Beginners in general, who generally hate things being changed,will dislike the new look of IE7. Those used to a more modern layout like Opera, will like the new physical changes but will still have a distaste for its lack of web standards compatibility.

[tags]ie7, internet+explorer, firefox, opera, microsoft[/tags]

11.27.2006 @ 9:25 PM — Filed under:

• Web Development
• Web Site Usability
• Webmaster

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