I started using the Beta 2 version of Microsoft’s Ineternet Explorer 7 browser about 2 weeks ago. Generally I use Firefox and IE equally during the day, but for different tasks. While I also have Opera installed, I rarely seem to use it. It’s good; just not a “must use” technology for me.

I’ve been very pleasantly surprised by the new IE7 browser. What I liked most was how all the screen fonts upgraded on install. Now, some people won’t like the fact that the fonts upgrade, and many webmasters won’t because there are bound to be issues, and I’ve seen some funky formatting. But from a user perspective, things are much easier to read.

I like Microsoft’s tabbing system. I predefine multiple home pages, and they all open in separate tabs when the browser starts up. Oddly enough, I find this to help save me time each day. I didn’t think it would.

There are things I don’t like in the new browser. I don’t like where they’ve put the refresh button – I wish it were “movable”, so I could put it in a more natural position. Also, when you do go to update a page, there’s no animated action in the top right corner of the browser to let you know anything is happening. There is an animation on the cursor tab; but that’s not where I’m subconsciously used to looking: This means that I’m actively having to think about whether or not I’ve pressed a button; disrupts my workflow a bit. (Firefox uses animation on the tab, and the top right corner).

The browser also seems to be a bit heavier on RAM. But I counted on that going in.

I’m also not crazy about the zoom feature. When I press ctrl + +, I expect the font to get larger, not the whole page. But I understand the need for 2 different kinds of zoom. I just wish that they left ctrl++ for font scaling, and used something different for zooming.

I really love the improved printing features which allow me to print a whole web page on one sheet, without jumping through hoops. Why did it take so long to get scaling in properly.

The whole interface is much nicer and cleaner. Looks more like a Mac !

What I am finding most interesting is that I’m using IE more and Firefox less than I did 2 weeks ago. I’m interested to see what the final version really is like, and what Firefox upgrades will look like in response.