I think it is a very good design. When I have used the search field for
the first time I don't dismiss it, I throws it to the back, iconify it or
just move it out of the way. When I need it again I already have it there.
This is indeed not an argument for having the search field in a dialog box,
merely my disagreeing with it being a disadvantage.
The advantage of the new design is, the way I use it, that you can move it
to a place were it easily accessible. I often use XMosaic spanning from the
top to the bottom of the screen. When searching indexes you sometime, if
you're lucky, only get a few hits. These are at the top of the screen while
the cursor is at the bottom and you have to move it around more when clicking
and entering search-terms.
Generally, I like to be able to move things around to where I want them.
Finally I think that the NCSA XMosaic team are doing a great job! I wish you
all the luck!
Wkr
/Goggi/
Adm. of www.luth.se & gopher.luth.se