CNET Editors' review
Apple has published a Windows version of their native browser. No, the sky has not fallen and we have yet to see the spontaneous evolution of avian bacon.
What we do have is a major software publisher porting their once mono-platform browser with strong results. Much like iTunes, the Windows version of the Mac application works fine but lacks a certain tightness. It feels unfinished because it is.
Safari lacks most customization features. Skins and other aesthetic options exist in the Mac version, but not here. Hopefully that feature will come later. Just about the only thing you can alter is the font. Toolbar icons can be swapped, but the Customize option is only accessible from the Menu bar. If you like right-clicking your way to a shapelier browser, Safari's going to make you feel fat and ugly.
Safari does load pages quickly and didn't have any problems rendering Flash, although it crashed several times on Vista while processing Java. It's a memory sink, too, sometimes using three times as much RAM as Firefox when more than a couple tabs were opened. Tab sessions are savable--well, they would be savable, if the Reopen All Windows option under History worked. The built-in Roboform is buggy, and although there are plenty of extensions for the Mac Safari, that functionality hasn't been ported over.
Having a Safari engine to work with is a great boon for developers. For the average user, though, we'd recommend taking your browser hunt to more familiar grounds.
Watch the CNET video review of Safari:
Publisher's Description
From Apple:
With a simple, elegant interface, the Safari browser gets out of your way and lets you enjoy the Web. Features include: fast performance; an elegant user interface, easy bookmarks, pop-up Blocking, inline find, tabbed browsing, SnapBack, automatic form filling, built-in RSS, resizable text fields, private browsing, and security.
Version 3.01 public beta is a security update.
Note: The Download Now link will take you to the Apple download page for Safari.
What's new in this version: Version 3.01 public beta is a security update.
More Popular Web Browsers downloads
- Google Chrome
311,282 downloads
- Mozilla Firefox
108,611 downloads
- Internet Explorer
24,334 downloads
- Internet Explorer
13,433 downloads
- Opera
13,336 downloads
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All versions:
3.1 starsout of 731 votes
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Current version:
2.7 starsout of 69 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Unstable Garbage"
Version: Safari 3.01 public beta
Pros
It was free, but you get what you pay for.
Cons
This software is unstable and crashes. I can't Maximize it without it going off the screen. I can't use MSN Money charts with it. It's typical Mac.
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"10 times faster than IE 7"
Version: Safari 3.01 public beta
Pros
Very fast !!! I enjoy !!! But color ??????
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"Its stupid"
Version: Safari 3.01 public beta
Pros
nothing.
Cons
the most useless browser in history...
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"Crap and needs improvement"
Version: Safari 3.01 public beta
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"This is excellent for just being a beta version"
Version: Safari 3.01 public beta
Pros
The speed of the Safari browser is fantastic. I like it better than IE, Firefox, Netscape, and Opera. I can't wait for the final version to come out.... Get it you wont be sorry.
Cons
The only thing I wish for is a e-mail button for the toolbar.
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"I simply can't install it on Vista...."
Version: Safari 3.01 public beta
Pros
No likes
Cons
No dislikes
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"never seen a faster web browser"
Version: Safari 3.01 public beta
Pros
its speedy and fun
Cons
nothing
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"This browser is so fast that ......."
Version: Safari 3.01 public beta
Pros
I have to hold on to my mouse with both hands, just to keep up with it! lol. Safari is ugly with no extentions or ad ons, but man is it fast! Downloading software and openning web pages are much faster than IE, Opera , Netscape, and Firefox. I really can't wait for the final version of Safari. Give it a try!
Cons
Ugly grey is the only theme. I prefer fast and ugly, over pretty and slow!
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"FAST! FAST! FAST!"
Version: Safari 3.01 public beta
Pros
What else can I say. Web pages open faster and downloads are faster than both IE and Firefox. If you want looks, stick with those two. If you want pure SPEED, chose Safari!
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"It sucks compared to other competitors"
Version: Safari 3.01 public beta
Pros
The interface is nice, plain, simple, and easy to use
Cons
It takes long to load the application, most sites take long to load, when they should just snap up.
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