@Rob, I suggest you try the IE9 preview or at least watch the video (which really is ‘in-depth’) - you’ll be hard pressed not to be just a little bit impressed. You’ll find that IE9 feels every bit the modern competitive browser. It is focusing on web standards (HTML, CSS3 and SVG in particular), plus, in handing off graphics rendering to the GPU (via Direct2D), it improves the experience for the end user and the possibilities for the developer without a proprietary plugin or extension in sight. The support for DirectWrite is also a welcome addition for typography fans. From my initial testing, IE9 appears to be a good browser. In fact, I don’t think I’ve been as interested in a Microsoft browser since IE3. I may not personally use IE9 (although it’s good enough that it’s in with a chance, at least), but I’m very happy that it will yield an improved experience for my customers and bosses.

The only downside I’ve seen so far is a lack of canvas support. That is very disappointing, but I suspect its inclusion is not out of the question before launch. Let’s hope, eh?

I’m hoping the forthcoming Firefox 3.7, which also introduces Direct2D and DirectWrite rendering, will be equally impressive.

Will Firefox or Chrome have the GPU rendering? That looks pretty good. Perhaps most desktops don’t need it; but I use a laptop most of the time.