From its individual tab processing to its Google-grown V8 Javascript engine, Chrome is already a strong competitor in the web browser market. Its gained its own foothold, and it hasn't been out for very long yet.
Why? Because of the reality that has shaped Chrome development: the web has changed, and the way we interact with it must change also. But how well is this carried out?
As a PDF user, you know the web can now be leveraged as a platform for PDF applications. All you need is a browser to interact with them. And for PDF users who use Firefox, interaction is even more browser-oriented than ever. To combine PDF interaction, the web and you (without invoking an application), all you need is a handy PDF extension installed on the browser toolbar.
Naturally I wondered about Chrome PDF extensions. How could the "one box for everything improve on and change PDF-browser convenience and basic user friendliness?
In my search for information, lo and behold, the Google site says: "Currently Google chrome doesn't support any extensions".
No extensions?. . . . No instant webpage to PDF creation, no instant PDF downloading options, no instant domain searching for PDFs? Awww. It's back to the old school, time consuming methods again.
A hindrance to PDF users, Firefox users and extension users out there. Users in the Google Chrome Help Group confirm it as a major downer. They all want the same extensions they use on a daily basis. In numerous threads, users even claim that adopting Chrome as their main browser will rely heavily on its support for browser extensions.
Not surprising. The Firefox user base has grown because of the browser's innovative add-ons and ability to be customized, things which Google Chrome lacks right now. Being able to personalize your applications with the functionalities you need is a major selling point, if not, THE selling point. And if so, Firefox might be able to keep Google's browser at bay.
As a workaround to the disappointment, you can try creating a web application shortcut. This way you can use Chrome to link to the online apps that perform the same PDF functionality as your beloved extensions. Admittedly, it's a few more steps than a click on the toolbar, but what can you do?
All in all, Chrome is everything you need it to be, but not what you want it to be just yet. It works well with Reader 8 and 9 and gives you the needed speed and lightness which current browsers don't have. But if you want to keep your PDF browsing capabilities for now, you might want to wait a bit before switching over to Google Chrome completely.
