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 3.1.2 patches security flaws.
What's new in this version:
Version 3.1.2 patches security flaws.
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:
3.9 starsout of 68 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Not the best browser for Windows-"
Version: Safari 3.1.2
Pros
It is not as bad as Internet Explorer or Opera but it's not a good browser either.
Cons
When you install safari it also installs a lot of unwanted software-it will install,I tunes player,Quick Time player,Boujour and Apple updates and I do not want ANY of this software on my computer as I don't use it.
Summary
The fact that safari installs all of the above unwanted software in addition to the browser is one reason that puts me off of this. I do not understand why it does not install the web browser only, which is what I and most people want. As for the web browser itself,it is not a very attractive browser,in appearance. And the browser is also slower than my other browsers. In my experience Safari is not the best browser for Window. So windows users are better off using Google Chrome or Arora browser,if you want a webkit browser. As these are better than Safari. Arora is a very good webkit browser for Windows. As for safari,my advice-GIVE IT A MISS. Andrea Borman.
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"Would like it if I could read the top bars."
Version: Safari 3.1.2
Pros
Fast - easy to use.
Cons
Can't easily read the text on the top bars (Menu, Toolbar, etc.!
Summary
I think I would like this browser if I could only read the bars at the top. Some bonehead designer or programmer selectd the black text on a dark gray background.
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"I like the product"
Version: Safari 3.1.2
Pros
I just like it as compared to IE
Cons
I have no Cons
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"Okay...worse than Mozilla Firefox!"
Version: Safari 3.1.2
Pros
Fast...Easy interface...
Cons
Memory consuming for Windows...Not compatible with all websites...
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"Its OK. Nothing great."
Version: Safari 3.1.2
Pros
It runs pretty good and puts on a better performance than Internet explorer.
Cons
Not compatible to all websites especially those requiring plug-ins. Made for PCs meant for Apple. With a little work it may actually be a contender for IE.
Summary
Its great if your cheap and your trying to make your PC look and run like a Mac Book. However don't hold your breath, Buy a Macbook if you want Apple features.
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"Just another boring browser"
Version: Safari 3.1.2
Pros
I can get to the internet
Cons
It is made by Apple. The look is nothing to write home about.
Summary
Unless you are a Apple user there is no reason to use Safari on Windows. Go with Firefox or even Opera if you want to get away from the dreaded Explorer.
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"It's really faster and has a great interface."
Version: Safari 3.1.2
Pros
fast, elegant, easy to use, simple, compatibility
Cons
not a great downloader, little customizable
Summary
It's a great web browser, simple, faster than IE and Firefox, not too customizable but with an elegant interface, you can surf the web in a secure environment.
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"Meh it'll do for now until FireFox fixes 3.03..."
Version: Safari 3.1.2
Pros
Slim and simple browser
Cons
I feel like it's slower than Firefox
buttons arent that nice looking
toolbars above are boring looking, everything is graySummary
I've tried 6 browsers so far and I have to say Firefox is still the best. Too bad it's buggy with 3.03 atm. I guess this will have to do
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"What a great tool"
Version: Safari 3.1.2
Pros
I like the speed of this browser compared to that of Firefox and it is much better than IE, but what isn't Everyone talks about security issues, but if you just want to browse the web this is the one. Nothing fancy just fast and easy to look at.
Cons
It does use more memory, but if you have a fast enough machine, so what!
Summary
Don't get me wrong, Firefox is a good browser. But, for my needs, this is the one I like. I like this browser cause I just wanted something that was fast and I could browse the web for information. If you are a person that wants a browser that is just a great browser and not a lot of fancy frills with a lot of speed this is for you. Don't hesitate to try this browser. Once you do it will get in your head and you wont be able to stop thinking about it. I tried it and went back to Firefox 3. Then, a couple days later I went back to Safari 3. I couldn't make up my mind. I wanted to be a smart user of the web and use the best browser. So, I would go back and forth trying to make up my mind. But, in the end, I couldn't stay away from Safari. So, I decided I am not going to choose a browser just because a majority of people like one over the other. I chose Safari because "I" liked it best for me and my web browsing needs.
If you want a fast browser and you don't need all the fancy stuff then your browser search is over. Try it you will like it.
But, don't just try it a few times and think it isnt for you. Give this browser a good try before you throw it in the trash and give up.
Updated on Oct 15, 2008 -
"faster than regular internet"
Version: Safari 3.1.2
Pros
faster dfgdgdgdgdgdgdgddddddd
Cons
some Downloads take longer
Summary
sdfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
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