Browser Size does just what the name implies. Enter a URL, hit “go” and you’ll see just what percentage of the internet will see what without scrolling. Scrolling isn’t quite the bugbear it once was, but for certain types of pages immediate impact is still very important (campaign landing pages are a good example,) so having this as an easily accessible tool is really nice. Sure, designers have these guides in Photoshop and developers can resize the window with the Web Developer Toolbar, but this handy web-based tool is just the kind of thing to use in a meeting.
For an example of the output, here’s this site put through the wringer:
For me, that’s a nice result. Basically anyone on the internet can see the first post, which will hopefully draw them right into my wonderful, geeky world. 90% even see the sidebar. I’m happy with that coverage.
If you look at typical “marketing” sites you’ll see that the 80%+ area is usually taken up by a Flash banner or something similar. Which makes the designer’s output and the copywriter’s job all that much more important. If you’re going to present that piece of “sizzle” so prominently it really ought to be good.
I hope the web site you’re demonstrating in a meeting is left-aligned in the browser window, because otherwise this tool is completely useless. If a site is center-aligned – like yours – you’ll still need to adjust the browser window size, and if you’re doing that you might as well just use the Web Developer Toolbar.
Not to mention the fact that the goofy, hand-drawn borders in Browser Size don’t look very professional.
It doesn’t take much to adjust the window for a centered site. It took so little time to do it for mine it didn’t seem like an issue.
We were laughing at the hand drawn borders. They’re super classy.