I’m a Google Fan in many ways and recently I made the switch to Google Chrome from Firefox as my main web browser. I had planned on making the change a while ago but what held me back was the ability to add extensions (add-ons in Firefox). Recently Google released a beta version that allows for extensions and since I’ve made the chance I’m been incredibly happy!
Why make the move?
I have found Chrome to be fast, clean and easy to look at for a long period of time. Like the iGoogle home page you can add themes to Chrome, I have mind set with some flowers in the background, but you don’t really see too much of it and it’s not obtrusive. Similar in over all features as Firefox it makes for an easy transition.
Google Beta and Nifty Extensions I Love:
Downloading the Chrome Beta version allows for the use of extensions to enhance your web browsing experience. Here are some of the extensions I use on regular basis that have enchance my daily use of the web browser and my recommendations if you decide to make the move to Chrome
- Google Calendar Popout – Let you see your Google Calendar with one quick click. You can schedule a meeting, view upcoming meetings and access your calendar quickly and easily.
- ChromedBird – Access your twitter account, view recent tweets and send out a tweet or retweet. The status is update as new tweets are received. No need to leave the page you’re currently on or open a new tab or window. Just tweet and connect with your twitter friends fast easy and direct. Also view any @mentions or DMs as well as any saved lists you may have
- WiseStamp for Gmail – Honestly not having the Wisestamp extension for Chrome was one of the reason I had delayed my move to Chrome. Now Wisestamp for Gmail has arrived and my signatures have moved with me! Yay!
- Facebook – Like ChromedBird, this gives you quick access to your Facebook page
- Feedly – I use Google Reader as my RSS Feed Reader, but recently I came across Feedly and love the format it provides for the feeds I follow. It takes my feeds and presents them much like a magazine format all pulled from Google Reader.
- Google Apps Shortcuts – If you are a Google Apps Fan like I obviously am, then you’ll love this extension. Customizable and it provides easy access to all of your google apps. Life Saver!
I have a bunch of other extensions installed on Google Chrome and will likely write another post about them at another time, but these are extensions that I access daily and absolutely love.
Coming up: Using Chrome to take everything online (Creating Application Shortcuts)