[gradstudent]

I'll go against the popular consensus and argue that Google needs to turn this feature OFF by default. When ON, it's far too easy to assume the auto-complete represents the "right" search terms. IMO, it should be clearer that what it actually represents is similar searches other people have performed.

[bryne]

I think the point is in the overwhelming majority of cases, other searches are the "right" searches.

[LesZedCB]

I agree. It's a nice feature. But then as far as features go, isn't it a meta-feature to be able to toggle them on or off?

[gradstudent]

My point is that auto-complete makes unwanted and unnecessary associations between terms. I have no problem with "Did you mean ... ?" suggestions appearing after I've searched for something; I simply disagree with Google "talking me into" search terms I didn't explicitly ask for.

[laconian]

No way. Autocomplete is an absolute necessity for slow typists and mobile phone users.