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Google Desktop
Price:

Features
Number of widgets
Appearence
Ease of use
Overall

Reviewed By: Wayne Williams

This review updated: 10/05/2007
Featured in magazine:
Issue 161
Manufacturer Contacts:
Supplier: Google
Web Address: http://desktop.google.com


What we liked:
Previous versions of Google Desktop were not so much ugly as bland. The latest version goes a long way to improving this with the sidebar getting a makeover so it now blends in with the Desktop. You can drag and drop gadgets to and from it and resize them as required. If you need the screen space back, you can switch from the gadget sidebar to a 'deskbar', which can be set either to float on your Desktop or form part of the Windows Taskbar. The deskbar doesn't contain any gadgets though, it's simply a search tool.

Unlike the other programs covered here, Google Desktop is much more than a personal dashboard. Its primary function is to index your hard drive, making content easier and quicker to find.

How it can be improved:
The sidebar can only be docked to the left or right side of the screen, but not to the top or bottom. While the look of the program has been significantly improved, the gadgets still lack the polish of Yahoo's widgets. It would also benefit from a wider selection of gadgets.

Our verdict:
This nifty program brings the power of Google search to your Desktop, combining it with a useful gadget-packed sidebar.

Reviewed: Issue 161 (10 May 2007 - 23 May 2007)

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