Latest from the Browser Wars: Internet Explorer 8 Mobilized, Ready for Action

Even the Windows 7 hype machine can't get anybody excited about Internet Explorer 8. It's not that it's a lousy browser, I figure it's just that we can't get the saccharine taste of IE7 out of our mouths. That being said, IE8 performs respectably on page load times and has all the straightforward functionality of previous incarnations. If you didn't have a chance to try the beta, there's no need because Microsoft just released the final version of Internet Explorer 8.

You can download IE8 at Microsoft.com.

In contrast to Chrome and Firefox, it's true that IE8 does in fact, open pages quickly. But, naysayers remind us that opening a page is unimportant compared to Javascript performance--Internet Explorer 8 lags a bit in the Javascript department. But realistically, the difference in Java load times and page open times is a matter of milliseconds--mostly imperceptible to human eyes and mouse fingers.

And if you're worried about IE8's lackluster Javascripting, it does plenty to redeem itself for wasting the occasional nanosecond. You've seen most features on IE8 before. A new feature we like streamlines tabbed browsing. IE8 marks your tabs with colors to help you stay organized. We're big fans.

If you're a Mozilla user, abandoning your add-ons is inconceivable. Microsoft's IE8 has their own add-ons that let you embed handy devices--search boxes, translators, weather, etc. And, in line with Microsoft's new, almost democratic direction, they don't strongarm you into using Microsoft add-ons. You're perfectly free to add extras from Google, Yahoo, Apple, or anyone else you like.

After fooling around with IE8 a bit, I'll stick with Firefox for the meantime. For more on the internet browser arms race, check out our review of the top contenders, or keep reading our blog:

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