ZEEBIE  Finally, a working version. Seems to be even faster on PPC now.

Great. ;)  
(Version 5.1.3533.1731)

DANA SUTTON  You just gotta love the version numbering.   
(Version 5.1.3533.1731)

CHIEFTED  This software is pretty much a memory hog on my MBP, 2.66ghz with 6 gigs of RAM.

Yup my fans are spinning up and activity monitor shows this is maxing things out.

Even VMFusion with Win 7 doesn't do that.

Also, and this is a big one, this also wants you to install Google Updater the

hidden update, who knows what it is sending out piece of garbage.

Sorry google not using any of your software till that, Google Updater is

removed (and yes I did remove that against the EULA)  
(Version 5.1.3533.1731)

ANTON52  I no longer see any maps after this update on my good old iMac Flat 800 MHz with NVIDIA GeForce2 MX running 10.4.11 (latest). Before this update I had no problem. Does anybody else out there have this problem?  
(Version 5.1.3509.4636)

ZEEBIE  Crashes with every startup. Tried everything, spent hours

but no change of behavior. Last version was ok, this one

is useless.  
(Version 5.1.3509.4636)

LIVINGS124  With all of this auto-update garbage that's intrusively installed, why does my outdated version always say it's up to date?  
(Version 5.1.3509.4636)

SCOTTYO  Re: blank white roofs, etc: Recent vintages of GE can display 3D buildings, if someone has made a model of them. There are 2 flavours lately, Photorealistic and Gray. Sounds like you have Gray (and maybe Photorealistic too; most buildings in Tokyo for example, have only gray renderings, but the important ones often have very nice photorealistic renderings) turned on.

Look in the Layers list, near the top, for 3D buildings, and uncheck the box (if it's a dash, only one of the two styles is on, and a click will turn it off).

It's a very nice feature when you're looking at the big city, but not everywhere has (much of) it, and it slows things down too.  
(Version 5.1.3509.4636)

FOULGER  First time I tried in under Snow Leopard - just a Black screen - all favourites lost - dead loss.  
(Version 5.1.3509.4636)

GARY30  Google Earth 5.1.3506.3999 continues with the auto software update nonsense. Plus, on my 17" unibody MBP using the plain old satellite view, the roofs of buildings are mostly rendered in blank white, non-aliased primitive shapes. On tall buildings, you can often see a little bit of the verticals. These are rendered in gray, also with no detail. Just go to the downtown of any city and I see this.

Going back to the previous version of Google Earth 5 these surfaces are all rendered correctly--you can see the equipment on the roof, color of the roof, etc. This may be an incompatibility with the GPU or Open GL on my MBP. In any case, it's a step backward as far as I am concerned.  
(Version 5.1.3506.3999)

MACLOVER1.1  We need alternatives, someday Google will be able to rewrite geography.. and we won't really know the details if we have no-one else to turn to. A few years ago I liked Google.. now It scares me just as much as say Microsoft or an huge group, becoming way to influential.  
(Version 5.1.3506.3999)

BORLOX  How to disable the auto-updating:

http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20090424045847496  
(Version 5.1.3506.3999)

ILGAZ  They keep that updater, acting exact same way and making people nuts right?

This is it, they are really disconnected from actual users. They can't understand "homo sapiens", actual people uses their software and becomes bugged about it, regardless of how freaking open source it is!

They have no clue about human nature. They think being Google and software being open source and free grants them every right. Well, if we compare OS X and Linux desktop usage share, we can see it isn't the deal all the time and our OS/hardware vendor checks for updates WEEKLY by first asking us. Even MS shows 2-3 warning screens before enabling auto update. Ask yourself Google: Are you more important than kernel/OS vendors? Every 2 hours check eh? What are we doing? Heading to space with your freeware?

Well, I have seen a 5000 seat company ban every kind of Google software because of that update behavior since they thought they were under some kind of insider attack when that tiny junk was banned by their pro active security solution and kept trying and trying to connect causing more harm/load to network more than a network worm.

If we code a software which is open source and connects to google servers each 10 minutes, Google won't send the FBI right? As it is open source you know, they can look at the source!  
(Version 5.1.3506.3999)

THUS.SPAKE.Z  I enjoy using Google Earth but in light of Google's propensity for scarfing up information about one's internet use, I've uninstalled it.

Google is a known information vampire. Pfuq 'em and their kind!  
(Version 5.0.11733.9347)

ERIC WOEHLER  Current version (re-)installs the Keystone software that phones home. If I delete all the keystone crap (ie phone home software), GE crashes on startup, so I guess Google wants to know everything about you... suggest not installing this version  
(Version 5.0.11733.9347)

PENGUIRL  I installed v5.0 and uninstalled the updater, however it seemed buggy. Since I don't want to continuously uninstall the updater with every update, and Google hasn't yet relented on their totalitarian approach to updating, I am going back to v4. It's rather sad when a software company's userbase nearly unanimously says they don't want a particular "feature" but the developers continue to force it on the users.

And what is with these crazy version numbers? Are they cranking out dozens of new versions a day, thus requiring such long version numbers?  
(Version 5.0.11733.9347)

FORMICA  I agree. The latest version of Google Earth CALLS HOME EVERY TWO HOURS! What freakin' software could be updated that frequently? I am UNINSTALLING EARTH AND EVERY OTHER GOOGLE APP ON MY SYSTEM UNTIL THIS COMPANY REVERSES THEIR RECENT MEGALOMANIACAL WAYS.  
(Version 5.0.11733.9347)

BURGEN  still installs crap  
(Version 5.0.11733.9347)

CED  The "GoogleSoftwareUpdate" is still installed in this new version. Who said "Don't be evil" ?  
(Version 5.0.11733.9347)

BRUCEG  Crashes upon launch. The latest releases for Goggle Earth 5.0 seem to be crap. In the past, I had no trouble running Goggle Earth on my G4 with Dual 1.25Ghz CPU. The latest version either crash or leave artifacts on my Apple Display.  
(Version 5.0.11733.9347)

ERIC WOEHLER  There is a VERY good article on removing the Background Updater application at

http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20090424045847496&query=google%2B

a lot of information is there on the various files to delete and it is all well explained.

I also posted a link previously to the Google Earth Plugin Uninstaller:

http://earth-api-samples.googlecode.com/files/GoogleEarth-Plugin-Uninstaller.dmg

and for interest, check out the extensive comments about the plugin at:

http://groups.google.com/group/google-earth-browser-plugin/browse_thread/thread/146882feca2788c3/951a4533372ba8ce#951a4533372ba8ce

cheers to all

E  
(Version 5.0.11729.1014)

VIRTUALRUFFY  Background App is annoying problem. I will only use version 4 until this crap is fixed! Send google a nasty email about it!

Until it's fixed send and chant: Hell no! We won't download! Google 5 has got to go!  
(Version 5.0.11729.1014)

MACBIRD  Macmini 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo

2GB RAM OS 10.5.6

After reading the other comments I decided not to update. I then tried to launch my currently installed version 5.0. It wouldn't work! So I trashed it and went back to version 4.3 and that works just fine. Guess I'll stay with that one forever.  
(Version 5.0.11729.1014)

BRUCEG  Crashes on startup using Macintosh G4 with Dual 1.25 Ghz CPU.  
(Version 5.0.11729.1014)

BURGEN  I really hoped Google would learn from the mistakes and make a clean software, well that blew up in the face.  
(Version 5.0.11729.1014)

ILGAZ  History repeats itself. AOL was at Google's size and popularity when they ignored their user's feedback and kept on pushing things nobody asked for.

We have all seen what happened later.  
(Version 5.0.11729.1014)

NEONBLUE2  I must be extremely lucky. Google Earth has never prompted me to allow the installation of an updater nor has it done so without my knowledge. I'm not saying it was never there but I've never actually seen it.

I don't know if I'm right or not but I reckon the change in this version is that they've changed the interface, updated the Qt version or both. It looks more "native" now.  
(Version 5.0.11729.1014)

BRAPPA  I just managed to get rid of that obnoxious Google updater so without release notes spelling out really good reasons to update don't expect me to fall into this one.

Everyone here hates this, and if Google is interested in having users of their software, they should listen and act accordingly.  
(Version 5.0.11729.1014)

IMINI  Warning - version 5 forces you to install some kind of "Google Software Update". You MUST accept it, otherwise GE will not start. It is supposed to be "safer than downloading files from the internet yourself". Yeah, right :) Back to version 4.  
(Version 5.0.11729.1014)

PEDRO FARDILHA  "The Bad: persistent background app installed"

Indeed.

For all of us "nomad" users out there that must pay premium price to ensure internet access thru a 3G / CDMA or similar connection, having this rogue background app downloading whatever it wants whenever it wants it's just a big nonsense.

Besides that, why on (Google) earth should I give them the power to decide what can or can't be installed on my computer?

I'm certain that I'll be able to learn how to leave without Google apps on my Mac, thank you very much.  
(Version 5.0.11729.1014)

INTELLECT INSIDE  The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly...

The Good: free, cool, easy to use

The Bad: persistent background app installed

The Ugly: freeze-prone

I have to give this a big thumbs-down for The Bad. I can tolerate a free app as cool as this freezing on me sometimes. I can't tolerate the Updater nonsense. Way to kill the buzz, Google.  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

CED  This is a great software, but the "GoogleSoftwareUpdate" which is installed along it is a really bad example. Why does Google want to run it all the time ? What kind of information are collected ?

This kind of behaviour will keep me away from Google Chrome for a very long time when it will arrive on Mac OS X...  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

CUNEYT  Does anyone know the systemrequirements of Google Earth 5.0, it doesnt work on my iBook G3 700mhz PPC 10.4.11, the previous version of Google Earth (4.3) worked.  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

STEVE66  I use little snitch and keep apps from calling out without my permission or not at all.  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

LEOOFBORG  "I like Google Earth and saw that there was wrong information here that might scare away other people who might like it."

Other than the Latin phrase 'Cui Bono' coming to mind, I have to praise you for speaking like a true PR flack. I'm sorry, but you don't seem to have any history other than 2 posts here, and ONLY about how virtuous you think Google Updater is. It's easy enough to look at your user stats as well as to Google your 'name'.

http://www.macupdate.com/users/Emel_Traw

I'm sorry, but if it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, and only posts twice like a duck then it's a duck. Ask the fine folks over at Wikipedia how they feel about sock puppets.

MeThinks the MacUpdate admin should write a script that sorts by product and prevents certain companies from posting from certain ip ranges unless they use the 'Dev' tag.

In other other news, this issue as well as the support threads have been slashdotted:

http://tech.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=09/02/06/1510228

As the other users have stated, Google Earth is for most of us an amusement. The folks who I really feel sorry for are the 'Pro' users and GIS shops that have to put up with such drivel.

And this won't change until Google is shamed into doing the right thing. Maybe if there's enough press GOOG will go down a few points [ie down a few milllion in market cap] and then the execs will take notice.  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

EMEL TRAW  Wow, there sure is a lot of fearmongering here. I installed Google Earth 5 to see what all the fuss was about and poked around afterward, and here are some actual facts for those interested more in reality than conspiracy theory.

* The updater process does NOT run as root. It is a launch agent (not a launch daemon) which means it runs as your user not as root. It couldn't run as root if it wanted to, because it never asked for my password. @MISTERE: a plugin with an installer isn't the same thing as Google Earth. Maybe that runs as root but this doesn't. @LEOOFBORG: maybe you should learn what a rootkit is before you make crazy accusations. This updater can't do any more naughty things than any other software you open and don't give your administrator password to.

* It doesn't run all the time. Its launchd plist says it only runs every couple of hours. From what I saw it quits almost immediately, probably just long enough to see that there are no updates. Anyone running an application with Sparkle in it is probably using more resources on Sparkle then they are on Google's updater.

@NORBERT: if you think spyware is going to ask before installing, you must not have used Windows much. The whole point of spyware is that it installs without you knowing so it doesn't matter if people are used to allowing some software to run in the background when it asks. And how did Google Earth install without your knowledge and permission? Did you not get the dialog explaining it was going to install an updater and require you to give your permission? It did for me.

@everyone who thinks running things in the background is unacceptable: open Activity Monitor and see how many of the things there you gave permission to run, or even know what they do. All kinds of things run in the background on your computer all the time.

Oh, I hope everyone below is boycotting Apple too. iTunes nefariously runs something called "iTunes Helper" in the background even when you aren't running iTunes. They never even asked or explained what it does.

-----

For the people who don't want to pass up one of the coolest free apps out there to hold on to an illusion that you control everything happening every second on your computer, some comments on the application, since noone else is actually talking about it here:

* The UI is still a bit weird, but at least its less ugly than it used to be

* Historical view is very cool. It can be hard to compare in big cities because building shadows are so different in different images but other than that you can see lots of cool changes an a huge scale

* The new Mars view with all the extra NASA pictures and stories is a lot of fun if you want to see all the Mars exploration in context.  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

MACUPDATE ADMIN  A Google Earth Updater Plugin uninstaller is now available, see Editor's Notes near the top of this page.

Google says they are going to add it as an option to the installer very soon.  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

SLOB  I completely agree with the comment below. Well written. I can't update to this version and have trashed their Picasa - annoyed with the update reminder - the independent iPhoto plugin works just fine anyway. Watch it Google, don't try and commandeer.  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

NORBERT M. DOERNER  If you simple delete the entire folder "GoogleSoftwareUpdate" in /Users/YourName/Library/Google/, then Google Earth 5.0 will keep on installing it again and again every time you launch it.

If you, however, open the "GoogleSoftwareUpdate.bundle" in that folder by using the context menu "Show Package Contents", and then empty the folders "Frameworks", "MacOS", and "Resources" in the Contents folder of that bundle, Google Earth will be fooled and thinks that the Updater is still in place, although it won't be.

Also make sure to delete the file "com.google.keystone.agent.plist" that this has placed in /Users/YourName/Library/LaunchAgents/

That way, you can now safely use Google Earth 5 without the highly inappropriate and insecure global updater.

Google: DO NOT FORCE INSTALL such software on my system without my knowledge and permission. That is completely INACCEPTABLE!!

If you think you find that cool, at least let us know what is installed where and why. That is totally not the case at this time.

It is also a very stupid and insensitive idea of how this entire process is being done right now. Once people are used to global updaters that run anywhere without their knoweledge, it will be super easy for any spyware to be installed the same way, too, because people are used to that.  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

FONZO  @ Google: I feel very uncomfortable with a software nesting somewhere deep in my computer, acting autonomous. I want to update my software myself and I want to decide myself if or when to do so. My advice: Don't use this SW. This is another attempt of big brother G to take control over your computer and obtain information about you. Google frightens.  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

LEOOFBORG  I guess this is what comes of Google hiring leftovers from Microsoft.

Call this what it is. A RootKit. Now let's see if Google rectifies this, or we all shuck GEarth 5.  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

ERIC WOEHLER  There is a plugin uninstaller available at:

http://earth-api-samples.googlecode.com/files/GoogleEarth-Plugin-Uninstaller.dmg

and for interest, check out the extensive comments about the plugin at

http://groups.google.com/group/google-earth-browser-plugin/browse_thread/thread/146882feca2788c3/951a4533372ba8ce#951a4533372ba8ce

maybe someone at Google will listen to the user community?  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

ERIC WOEHLER  "To continue using Google Earth, you must accept the new Google privacy policies and allow Google Software Update to run in the background on your computer."

NO WAY. If anyone from Google is reading, please take note of the backlash against Google. I am perfectly capable of updating Google Earth myself - this is the onlyGoogle s/w on my mac and I dont need some daemon rumbling away on my mac to check for updates - I can do this myself.

I really dont care what privacy policy you have, I realy dont care how 'safe' the process is, I can update the software, when I want, by myself.

Is there anyone listening??  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

SCRIVENS  "To continue using Google Earth, you must accept the new Google privacy policies and allow Google Software Update to run in the background on your computer."

I don't think so. Nice app but I don't want Google updating anything without my knowing about it. This company is getting way too big for its boots.  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

EJ1  It always comes up SLOW and all I get is a white globe with yellow map borders. No images at all.

800 mhz iMac g4,geforce4 mx,512mb ram, 10.4.11  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

SJHA  Note that this version of Google Earth installs the Google Software Updater.  
(Version 5.0.11337.1968 )

JOEDON  Every location I go to is so blurry as to be useless. I can't imagine what benefit anyone would receive from using Google Earth if their experience is the same as mine.

Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations?

Thanks,

JoeDon  
(Version 4.3.7284.3916)

AKIT  I used to have a GE 4.0 on a Tiger 10.4.11 which works just fine until recently, it just would not work. I always get the c000000c window. I upgraded it to 4.3.7 and it continually fails to launch with the same c000000c.

I have spent days reading and following varied advise in forums on how to make it work but it seems that nothing is working. So finally I would like to ask if there is still any chance of making it work before I finally ditch it and let it R.I.P.  
(Version 4.3.7284.3916)

DIRTMOVER2169  would be real nice if the site was updated.i loaded the "new" G.E. the pics of my house are at LEAST 6 years old .with all the sat tech in the sky you would think they could at least get 1-2 year old pics to put on for us !!!!other than that i liked the features and ease of use.  
(Version 4.3.7284.3916)

JOBBY  Useless download system — fails if you've got google-analytics.com blocked at the firewall because you don't want to be tracked all over the web.

Direct download link is here: http://earth.google.co.uk/ig/directory?synd=earth&pid=earth&num=6&cat=featured&dl=mac&hl=en

Now, why can't it just use Sparkle?  
(Version 4.3.7284.3916)

FILLCALL  Running OS 10.5.4 on 2008 24" iMac

Spinning beach ball, slow loading. If you wait out the beach ball, it will finally go out and you can continue for a short time. but sooner or later the beach ball returns. finally, you have to force quit the program in order to stop the nonsense. Definitely needs work. Been a fine program up until now.   
(Version 4.3.7284.3916)

UGGERHOLT  Google Earth crashes on my iMac 24" (NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS graphics) - both this BETA and the previous version.

Useless until an update addresses this.  
(Version 4.3.7284.3916)

DIDDLYSQUAT  I downloaded Google Earth on my iMac OSX 10.4 ever since it first became freely available - that's 3 to 4 years ago. And - until yesterday...! - it was superb... Then I was cajoled by one of those on-screen plees to download the 4.3.7204 version... since when my whole Google Earth experience has crumbled to dust....!!!

Now, neither one of them opens up anymore - and neither one of them even wants to close...!!! So I'm obliged to Force-Quit my computer every time...!

I've deleted Google Earth then reloaded 3 or 4 times - to no avail...! It always "seems" to download OK - but when I try to use it ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENS...! - VIZ: the Lights Are On but Nobody's Home...!!!

I just don't have Google Earth anymore...!!! Boo-Hoo...  
(Version 4.3.7204.836)

XENOPHILE  Some of v4.3's new features are nice, but on my dual 1.42 GHz G4, the performance boost is the most welcome improvement. Navigating in the 3D viewer is now fluid and instantaneous, and the overall experience is far more enjoyable.

Unfortunately, GE still has a ways to go. A few low points:

1. The following note appears far too often in Google Earth's manual:

"Currently, this feature is not supported for Mac versions of Google Earth."

Apple's market share is growing in leaps and bounds, so there is no excuse for a major company like Google to cripple the Mac version. What's most insulting is that Google keeps the Linux version up to speed with the Windows version. WTF?

2. Stability. v4.1 was rock solid on my system, so Google will hopefully address the bugs in v4.3 momentarily.

3. Lame integration with Google Maps. Google Earth is just screaming out for a feature that would turn off the satellite view for a simple road map view. It's almost there, and 3rd party solutions are available, but if Google implements such a feature it will undoubtedly be cleaner and faster.

Despite it's flaws, Google Earth is of course a must-have application. What we really need are more competitors to force Google to quicken the pace of development.  
(Version 4.3.7191.6508 )

LARRYS02  Just downloaded the latest version of Google Earth. I have Leopard version 10.5.2 on an iMac with an Intel Core Duo 2 processor. Everytime I try to zoom into a location or use the controls, the program crashes. It will be useless unless someone from Google can explain what to do.  
(Version 4.3.7191.6508 )

KBEAT  I'm running it on a MBP on Leopard and 4.3 launches just fine natively, and is much speedier than 4.2.  
(Version 4.3.7191.6508 )

WORLD28  With the last release, impossible to launch the application on Powerbook G4 OS X 10.5.2:

Dyld Error Message:

Library not loaded: @executable_path/libQtCore.4.dylib

Referenced from: /Applications/Cartographie/Google Earth.app/Contents/MacOS/Google Earth

Reason: Incompatible library version: Google Earth requires version 4.3.0 or later, but libQtCore.4.dylib provides version 4.1.0

Please fix the bug !  
(Version 4.3.7191.6508 )

JIMW  Hangs up on my Intel MacPro on launch unless I run it under Rosetta.  
(Version 4.3.7191.6508 )

SMOKEONIT  4.3.7191.6508 available!  
(Version 4.2.205.5730)

ALEXTM  Haven' tried the sky interface but the builtin flight sim is very cool (Cmd-Opt-A)  
(Version 4.2.180.1134)

JOBBY  Great, but is it REALLY necessary for the text input boxes to use Windows key shortcuts rather than Mac ones?

Cmd-A is a lot easier than Home followed by Shift-End, not just because it's less keystrokes, but because it's the standard that EVERY OTHER Mac app (except Microsoft's, of course) uses.

I've lost count of the number of times I've looked at the "Fly To" box and found the previous search still in there with my new search at the end, because I pressed Cmd-A out of habit and nothing happened.  
(Version 4.2.180.1134)

M85  Love the new Skyview but, um, Beijing's Forbidden City is just to the east of the Crescent Nebula in the Cygnus constellation... clearly some teething pains here.  
(Version 4.2.180.1134)

ISLANDMACMAN  Improved over previous version - presets stay off when turned off, OpenGL draws are much faster.

-MacBookPro  
(Version 4.1.7076.4558)

ISLANDMACMAN  The price can't be beat, but to be picky:

I want the ability to disable the pre-set auto-loading layers (that didn't auto-load in previous versions) This is rude and annoying - I'm glad I backed up my previous version.  
(Version 4.0.2736)

MINIMARC  Must have tool. Gives you a huge information about any point on the world.  
(Version 4.0.2722)

CORPSECORPS  _

Whew! Now that i have a system fast enough to really use it, this is great!

There are still lots of places i hope they get better satellite imagery for.  
(Version 4.0.2722)

UNDERTOW  Come on! Can't a multi-billion dollar company render four of the most famous presidents on Mount Rushmore?

J/K it's a great app that gets more stable with each update. Wouldn't mind knowing the things updated though. Whats the big secret?  
(Version 4.0.2722)

ARVIDTP  Giving the average user the ability to create paths and polygons is great - I was excited - BUT they are somewhat useless if you cant get statistics on them (area, length, etc.) I was hoping to use paths to keep track of my runs and bike rides, but one still has to use the ruler tool to measure them, and I can't find a way to convert between a ruler path and a path path...  
(Version 4.0.2093b)

JUKI  Fascinating and fun. Runs just fine on my 17" Powerbook 1.5GHz w/OS 10.3.9. No problems or issues encountered so far.  
(Version 4.0.2093b)

RAY16  Works fine for me, last build of Panther, G3B&W. launch could be faster.  
(Version 4.0.2077)

RENSELAIRE  goole earth is very usefull you can research the places/or country you wanted to see.  
(Version 4.0.1694)

JCTULL  I never have dependable cellular access when driving mountain roads that are dirt or gravel, 40 miles from any signs of civilization. If you want to do anything more adventurous than an interstate highway road trip, you are likely to lose access to the internet if you have it at all. How many National Parks are littered with cellular towers?

I have read elsewhere that you can try to max your cache and view your route while online. When you take your trip, GE should pull from the cache and access your coverage. This will depend on how much terrain you plan to cover, resolution, etc. I have not tried it myself. Alternatively, check out MacGPS or GPSy for your needs.  
(Version 4.0.1694)

KIRKBOT  Very jumpy and cumbersome navigation with 1.8mgz G5, even with 256x256 detail setting--a shame as version 3.1 was much smoother. I find the jerkyness of the new version is almost unbearable and will continue using the old version.

Features: A lot of good stuff... just not a "5" because GPS features are crippled... use GPSBabel+ to import tracks, waypoints, etc. (4)

Ease of use: too jerky and new nav deal isn't much of an improvement (3)

Value: It's free! (5)

Stability: jerky and when the G5 has had enough google earth v4 unexpectedly quits (2)  
(Version 4.0.1694)

MACEDDY  Well, nice.. Garmin GPS support..

But, GPS is useful when you're on the road or something like that.

How many people have a broadband internet connection when they are travelling??

So, nice, but not very useful function as I see it...  
(Version 4.0.1694)

PHOTEK  Blazingly fast and super stable on my iMacIntel... keep up the good work Google!  
(Version 4.0.1694)

WOOFER  ... very unstable, on a G4 TiBk 500.

I just can't get it to stop re-drawing the screen constantly when first starting it up. Just locks up my Mac.

Which is quite sad, considering this app would be a suitable addition to a portable 'puter, albeit an old one.

:-(  
(Version 4.0.1658)

MACMASTERS  Very slow on my g4 1 ghz processor. Anyone else have older machines and have this problem?  
(Version 4.0.1658)

DRKILMER  It's a fantastic resource. Download it and use it ... the improvements will come along in time. I like it a lot.  
(Version 4.0.1658)

GARY30  I have tried all the preference options I can think of but I cannot get aerial images as good with Google Earth as I can get with MSN Virtual Earth (using their windows.local.live in a browser window). These are aerial pictures taken at the same time--I can tell because, for example, the same cars are parked in the same locations. Unless someone can inform me of something I am missing, then this is a real disappointment.  
(Version 4.0.1563)

IAMDORIAN  Really coming along, but needs some features.

1) The ability to save drawn Paths w/mileage information. This goes for GPS tracks too.

2) Some inteface clean up, especially the way the twirly folders operate. Kind of clunky (so far)

3) Time/Date sunlight map overview that would provide for at least a simple way to see - based on current or other times/deates - what is/and is not in sunlight.

4) A Mac-density indicator that lights up as the cursor passes over cities/communities with a high concenrtation of Apple computers. One does need to know the lay of the land when one travels - even virtually (This last feature should remain optional, and should be disabled on all PCs! : )

Keep up the good work Google-guys (and gals)  
(Version 4.0.1563)

BOMBADIL  Much better UI and performance improvement! Love the email view button.  
(Version 4.0.1563)

NEUTRALZONE  Wow...UI is substantially improved, lots of little details changed for the better, even just in the area of editing a placemark. Keyboard shortcuts more reasonable now.

Performance is good on my PowerBook G4 1.25 GHz. A Windows friend walked by and said "That runs pretty well on the Mac, huh?" I said "Yeah, and my PowerBook is over 2 years old!"

NICE JOB Google!  
(Version 4.0.1563)

CYBERDORK  The new version runs terribly on my 12" iBook G4 1.2GHz with 1.25GB ram.

Very choppy, just like the first beta version.

The previous version ran perfectly!  
(Version 4.0.1563)

ð BORN YETERDAY ð  Worked flawlessly on my eMac with Tiger 10.4.6

A very unique tool with lots of potential.

Thanks a million & keep up the great work!  
(Version 3.1.0621.0)

PSLIEBER  Runs like a charm on my G4 iBook. (Perhaps the sluggishness is stemming from the Intel processing?)

I, for one, find this tool invaluable when used as a supplemental driving tool (to Google Maps). The ability to spot landmarks -- albeit some outdated --- opens up a whole new world of trip planning and/or learning a city's layout.

Looking forward to updates of this terrific software.  
(Version 3.1.0621.0)

TOURNESOL  Well, the app is fun even though I would like the pictures to be more detailed.

BUT, the images are way to old. There is not much satellite feed about it. The place that I live in Copenhagen, Denmark was built in 2002 and does not show up. All I can see is the building ground.  
(Version 3.1.0621.0)

ANON BUD  Could be fantastic, but it crashes on me way too much when I try to place or edit location pins (placeholders).  
(Version 3.1.0621.0)

DR_LHA  Love it, but any chance of a Universal Binary?  
(Version 3.1.0621.0)

DANA SUTTON  Okay, this is a cute toy. It's nice to be able to see how your house looks from a satellite image (so that's what the guys in the Kremlin must be seeing, I can imagine them dialing in the rocket right now). But, given that, it's a bit like the slab in 2001 -- it looks nice, but what exactly is it for? If it could be made to interact with other applications (in the way, for example, that you can bring up a map of an address in Address Book by highlighting the address and doing the control + mousedown thingamajig) to get Google Maps, then it would make a lot more sense to me. In other words, this is a nice start, but Google needs to empower it by putting out some nifty plugins.  
(Version 3.1.0621.0)

SQUIGLES  OK have this installed on both a 20" G4 iMac with 1.25gig & a 17" iMac Intel CoreDuo with 512.

On the G4 it's quite choppy on the Intel CoreDuo it's smooth very smooth.

Would love to see it perform the same on both machines.  
(Version 3.1.0617.0)

MANDOLINDA  Awesome! Lots of fun and very addictive! Little difficult to find specific addresses in countries other than the USA...  
(Version 3.1.0617.0)

BOBSTER  Running great on my PM 1GHz w/ Radeon 9600 and 5MB cable.   
(Version 3.1.0617.0)

INDICES  runs nicely here on an old 800mHz G4 iBook (640 MB RAM, OS 10.3.9) and a mediocre cable connection... thanks Google!  
(Version 3.1.0617.0)

APPLECRYPT MODS  i know this depends a lot on the net connection rather than machine spec.. but i've a dual G5 with google earth being very choppy : cpu usage can jump up to 80%/50% at times while (at the same time) the net usage is hardly being pushed. Still, this is quite new to the mac so i guess there's bugs/fine tuning still to do?

But still, this is a great download!! I'm checking out all the places i'll be visiting later in the year for my road trip across america!! SUPERB STUFF!!

A must download!  
(Version 3.1.0617.0)

KRISTO KETZAHALKOATL  Not as good as NASA WorldWind.

http://worldwind.arc.nasa.gov/

however, worldwind is currently winintel only.  
(Version 3.1.0617.0)

TOURNESOL  Great software. Really fun! Panning the globe and zooming is really choppy though even on my Dual Core G5. Also the copntrolpanel is a bit clumpsy.  
(Version 3.1.0617.0)

BABY BLOC  I like this app. It's fun to mess around with and might even be useful.

I do wish they didn't add the ugly blue halo around the earth; as I understand it the atmosphere does not look nearly as thick as that. We're a lot closer to the big black void than we might like to think. Wish they'd show that.

Still, fun to play with aside from that.  
(Version 3.1.0617.0)

ZC456  Still waiting for this program to hit Panther. >_>  
(Version 3.1.0527.0)

XMROCKS  First off, yes it's beta and I understand that.

Uses up an absurd amount of CPU at times (~80%). When playing music via iTunes, it sometimes cuts out the music while it's processing whatever I tell it to do. So in that respect, it's obtrusive since it wants so much CPU time.

If it's the only application open, it's great. If you plan on using it with another application open that uses a bit of CPU, it's not efficient enough to be usable at this point in time.

Needless to say, Google has some work to do on it.  
(Version 3.1.0527.0)

SUGAR  This program is amaizing, the only thing is im from South africa and there arent any street names and you cant really go close up. Happy and dissapointed.  
(Version 3.1.0527.0)

MARK_CAIRNS  The 10th January, 2006 will go down in the history as the day we'll all look back on in 20 years and say "How on (Google)Earth did we ever live without this Killer App" before then?

Three letters summarise:

W. O. W.

I was going to go home from work early last night; I eventually left at midnight after falling into Google Earth.

Marty McFly has just got his DeLorean and take Google Maps from 1955 to 2025.  
(Version 3.1.0527.0)

FERVID  WOW! How can you not give this program 5 *'s!!!? Awesome. I look forward to future updates.  
(Version 3.1.0527.0)

ANDROO1  Simply breath taking. Maybe it will even make the dropping of bombs seem more real and personal.

How soon will it be before we can see a decommissioned ? live military version.  
(Version 3.1.0527.0)

STAR-AFFINITY  It's awesome!  
(Version 3.1.0527.0)

PECOS PETE  So far so good, much imporoved over the leaked Uber beta. Thx Googie!  
(Version 3.1.0527.0)

LEE MAJORS  Seems that performance has taken a huge hit since the leaked beta version. The beta version seemed to run as good on my 1.5Ghz PowerBook as it did on my PIV 3200 at work. Now this version seems to be almost unusable.  
(Version 3.1.0527.0)

AGENTSMITHONE  It's a cool little app, I really like it a lot. I got it from another site before it got "pulled." It runs well on a 12-inch PowerBook G4/1.33GHz with 768mb RAM and Mac OS X 10.4.3. I wonder when Google will release the beta version and have it available for download from their earth.google.com?  
(Version 3.1.0371)

BEDSTUY65  The satellite imagery used for Google/Maps is more up to date than for Google/Earth. Stunningly so. Compare both images of Ground Zero in Manhattan. Must be off by more than a year.  
(Version 3.1.0371)

TOMIS  Super cool, can't wait until they optimize it and release the "official" version.

Eats absurd amount of CPU time currently.  
(Version 3.1.0371)

MACVICK  I would really appreciate it if there would be out a version for Panther ( 10.3.9 )  
(Version 3.1.0371)

UMAROMC  This thing is SOOOO cool! I didn't even know it was pulled! :P I can see my house from here...! haha

Flies on my 1GHz MDD G4/Radeon9800Pro/10.4.3/1GB RAM  
(Version 3.1.0371)

GAOSHAN  Really a neat thing! Too bad the app was pulled from circulation (at least I got mine). It works fine on my G4 867mhz with 1gb RAM, btw.  
(Version 3.1.0371)

PEDROTAQUELIM  It does not work at all with my G4 Sawtooth 450 Mhz.

Bollocks!  
(Version 3.1.0371)

CHROME  I would really appreciate it if there would be out a version for Panther ( 10.3.9 ).

And the gui could look more like iTunes because from what I´ve seen at screenshots it looks really ugly.   
(Version 3.1.0371)

MAX YOUR MACS CONSULTING  Absolutely fantastic and useful app! Runs perfectly on my iBook G4 1.42/1GB with only the slightest hiccup when zooming however very tolerable and mostly unnoticeable. Extremely stable, launches quickly and has not crashed/locked a single time on any of my machines.

This is a must-have for travelers or anyone needing fast, detailed and accurate views of our planet. I can only imagine the improvements in the final version.

Thank you devs!  
(Version 3.1.0371)

SHMIPELE  Wonderful app with an iMac G5 2.1G°, 1G° RAM, last generation with iSight.

Amazing and fluid display, I've spent many hours trying it yesterday.  
(Version 3.1.0371)

MEX4ERIC  Using 1 MHz PB 768M RAM with 10.4.3 it runs very well. Uses about 66-70% cpu when "flying", less than 1% when at rest. Have set up three locations I know at least 3,000 miles apart, Mexico, Canada & France. Loved it! When is official beta release?  
(Version 3.1.0371)

CARL SOBOLEWSKI  Works great for me, and it's not even the official version.

Can't wait for Google's release.  
(Version 3.1.0371)

GARYI  Worked well for a while but when I changed the prefs to zoom in quicker it crashes everytime you attempt anything. I put it back to slow, but after that it was crash crash crash.

Fair enough its a beta, but thought I would mention it.

I am running a G5 powermac with 1.2 gigs of ram and a pro 9800 mac addition graphics card.

shows great promise though.  
(Version 3.1.0371)

HEYMINI  Really quite REMARKABLE!!

Those of you trying this with a 56k connection will have to be patient as you zoom. Even on cable it takes a few seconds to d/l the images.

Saying that the end result is very impressive.

I can even see my house!!  
(Version 3.1.0371)

TEEGATE  I have a G4 450 and have been able to run programs that require 500 MHZ minimum; however, this program will not finish logging in to the server at launch so I can't even try to use it.

Guy  
(Version 3.1.0371)

MARKOH  TiPB G4 1.5Ghz / 1.25GB

It does put a lot of strain on my PB but for a beta it works OKish but the developers have to see to it that the final release of Google Earth OS X does not hog the CPU.  
(Version 3.1.0371)

BOBBYSDAD  Sorry to re-post, but if everyone could include what sort of Mac setup they have, as well as their good, or bad, observations, I'm sure everyone (especially the developers), would find that most helpful in trying to evaluate their comments.  
(Version 3.1.0371)

SABOR  Pretty sweet for a beta. Very stable, worked great. Felt some hiccups while zooming, but nothing serious. These guys are taking over the world and I am happy for them :) Extremely nice port fellows!!  
(Version 3.1.0371)

BOBBYSDAD  Downloads fine, and fast. Just got it myself. Read carefully the pages in front of you as they open up, take the necessary actions as directed and you'll be fine.

Unfortunately, anyone with an OpenGL unfriendly PowerBook G4 500, like me, don't bother. It won't work. It's too OpenGL intensive and as such just locks everything up while trying to do constant re-draws.

This may be fixed in coming releases, but I doubt it. We just don't have the graphic capability. :-(  
(Version 3.1.0371)

NOOKSTERM  This actually runs much better than I thought it would on an 800Mhz iMac. Much better than a P4 2GHz with a GeForce 2MX.

I'm thinking that it might have been the graphics card that hammered the PC (despite the fact that all the iMac has is a 32MB 4MX).  
(Version 3.1.0371)

BEDOUIN  A little jerky, but that's probably because it's beta. On my 1.4ghz G4 it's not consuming too much CPU power. I'm suspecting it would be a little less pleasurable on my G3/800 iBook.  
(Version 3.1.0371)

MYSTICALOS  Only lowered features and ease of use since they are not fully implemented yet. Broken feature sets have to count for something. Other then that pretty nice app. All those having trouble with it. It uses your video driver directly to render it. It's speed depends highly on performance of video card and CPU. So it would probably show various different speeds depending on hardware. As for the erratic behavior, Could be video drivers/opengl not current? IE 10.3.9 mac users? 10.4 has substantial improvements to stability and speed of opengl and graphics drivers, and each 10.4 incremental update has only improved it further. If you're not on 10.4.3 it wouldn't be fair to even complain at all..If you are on 10.4.3, It's time to beef up mac. Now adays you can up a pretty old mac pretty cheap. This app runs very fast on my G4733 just cause I put a 2ghz cpu update in that's like 300 dollars and a geforce 4ti card. I'm good until intel macs are perfected. :)  
(Version 3.1.0371)

XMROCKS  System resource hog. When my mouse is moving around in the interface, LineIn (used to play audio from my iMic) gets all garbled. This is with the mouse just moving around in the Google Earth interface and not actually zooming in/out or doing any work.

The same goes with using iTunes and playing music. It distorts the music and evens slows the music down. No other apps are open so it's not a conflict of what's getting CPU time and what's not.

Yes, it's a beta and yes, it's very buggy. HAte to say it, but exceptionally disappointing so far.  
(Version 3.1.0371)

MACUPDATE ADMIN  Works very well on a PowerBook @ 1.5 GHz. Not the most lovely interface but it does work, everything does what it is supposed to do.  
(Version 3.1.0371)

RJACKB  I've used Google Earth on a Windows computer before and it was cool to see my house and everything else. But the Mac version seems much, much faster and the UI seems to have more features than I remember from the Windows version (though I could be wrong about that). I've had no problems with the beta whatsoever.  
(Version 3.1.0371)

GAVIN LAWRENCE  Oh my God, this is a wonderful App. Simply amazing.......Run very well on my 1.3 Ghz iBook.  
(Version 3.1.0371)

NICK DRING  I like the idea and what it does but the interface looks like and old os x app and is not following acqua guidelines.   
(Version 3.1.0371)

JOEL MUELLER  Very cool. maps.google.com is great. This is even better because you can do it around the world and it has some nice zoom effects. I also enjoy how you can tilt the view as if you're coming from an airplane and not a space satellite.

It looks like it needs a little bit of work in the interface areas, but by the time it's a final release, no doubt it'll be cool.  
(Version 3.1.0371)

BARNEY4  Opens & then quits every time. This beta is not ready for prime time, me thinks.

B&W with a G4 Zif Upgrade 550 MHz 896 Ram OS X 10.4.3  
(Version 3.1.0371)