This Browser Goes To 10.1

Last week I finally took up Google's invitation to explore "more" of its features, and then "even more." At the very bottom of a long list of Google products, services and software was something called "Web Accelerator," which the search giant promised would "speed up the web."

So I clicked on it and got this page:

Google Web Accelerator works with your browser to help web pages show up in a snap. Learn more.
Google Web Accelerator is...
" Designed for Broadband  Web pages load even more quickly on DSL and cable connections " Easy to use  Simply install and enjoy faster web browsing in seconds

I was sold! I mean, who doesn't want a faster browser? And with Google churning out one kick-ass product after another, there was no downside.

Unfortunately, the upside isn't much to IM home about. I installed the Web Accelerator on my family's computer last Saturday. Here's the performance data through Thursday morning:

Total Time Saved
The amount of time Google Web Accelerator has saved you since you first started using it, or since you last reset the counter that records your total time saved. Performance statistics are estimated by testing a percentage of requested pages.

Load Time for 740 Pages
Without Google Web Accelerator:	1.0 hr
With Google Web Accelerator:	58.1 mins
Total Time Saved:		3.3 mins

So depending on which stat I choose, I've saved either 1.9 minutes or 3.3 minutes over the course of one hour of load time. That's between 3 percent and 6 percent faster. (Which, trust me, feels about zero percent faster.)

Maybe I have unrealistic expectations, but when someone tells me we're going to "accelerate," I'm expecting more than going from 60 mph to 63. While generally I'm very impressed with Google's offerings, the Web Accelerator does little to quicken the pulse, never mind the browser.