I just downloaded M$N Explorer last night because I was bored. I was already happy with my IE5.5 on my WinME box, but a friend talked me into getting this thing. I wish I hadn't listened.

The interface looks much different from what the older IE look is. There is no menu bar at top with file, edit, etc. It has a blue left panel with a lot of buttons (which I found can NOT be removed) and a constant ad, which i think is unnecessary, considering the company that made the browser.

Integrated into MSN Explorer is your Hotmail account or your MSN mail account, as well as the MSN Messenger Service, both accessible in one click.

The problem with that integration is this:
You have to sign into your browser just to use it. Yes, you log into your browser just to get it to run. It's good when there's 2 or 8 other people using your computer (it handles up to 9 accounts), but if you're like me and are the only person using the PC in your house, that is annoying, because you have to enter a password to get in just to surf.

It's also good, though, because if you're in a family with kids and you view objectionable sites and bookmark them (add them to your favorites), you can keep the kids from seeing YOUR favorites list. It's password protected. :)

Also integrated into M$N Explorer is Windows Media Player. no longer will you have to launch a copy of WMP7 just to watch a movie trailer. it's on the left side, along with the ad and buttons for features. it also lets you listen to net radio, if you so choose.

One of the biggest downsides to MSN Explorer is its lack of configurability. You can't just get rid of buttons you don't use, like you could in IE (example: i don't have a print, history, favorites, or search button in IE5.5). the buttons are also too big, in my opinion, considering I can easily see them on my 1280 x 1024 desktop. I could only imagine what 800 x 600 users are suffering through.

Another one is the fact that if you already have a MSN Passport, but it's not linked to a Hotmail or MSN account, as in my case (i've got one linked to my onebox.com account), you have to re-sign up for a Passport to use the browser.

I end this with a decision you should make.
Are you the only person with only one MSN/Hotmail account who will ever use this PC? if so, i'd not use this browser.
or do you have a family who all uses the pc, too and needs free (if not always reliable) email? if you do, this may be good for you. everyone's settings stay the same for them. :)

Think about it.

Recommended: No